Dan Hannebery could pursue an AFL lifeline from Gold Coast.
The Suns were last month interested in trying to bring the former Sydney and St Kilda midfielder to Metricon Stadium.
Hannebery, 31, announced his retirement in August after a glittering career that netted a premiership, three All-Australians and an AFL Coaches’ Association player of the year award.
And he initially told Gold Coast he wasn’t keen on a move. While that decision ultimately might not change, it’s understood Hannebery is now considering the possibility of resuscitating his career.
The left-footer is understood to be weighing up his future while on holiday in Germany, however he’s taken the opportunity to again visit soft tissue maverick, Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt.
A mid-year visit to the man known as “Healing Hans” was said to be hugely beneficial, with Hannebery finishing last season strongly for St Kilda with a pair of high-possession games.
He polled three Brownlow votes in his last game for the Saints – a Round 23 loss to his ex-club Sydney.
Hannebery’s famed appetite for training is also said to remain. But at this stage a union between Gold Coast and Hannebery remains far from certain and, in fact, is considered a long shot given the significant due diligence needed from both parties.
Gold Coast has since planned for life without Hannebery, is tight for list spots and money, and has structured its squad for the arrival of as many as four academy prospects next year.
Yet there is a slim chance club and player could reach an agreement, and if they do, Hannebery would join as a delisted free agent in an acquisition that would cost the Suns nothing.
He also wouldn’t command anywhere near the wage he did in his years at Sydney or St Kilda.
The AFL’s first delisted free agency window opens next Thursday.