Gresham hungry to learn from Dan

DAN Hannebery can expect a hard tag this preseason — from new teammate Jade Gresham.

The Saints sharpshooter said he expected to soak up information from the former Swan as he eyed a push into the midfield next season.

“(I’ve been) mainly playing forward the last three years and pinch hitting in the midfield … hopefully this year I’ll do a lot of work in the midfield, and hopefully get a full preseason which I haven’t really had since I’ve started,” Gresham said.

“It’s good to be back day one and running and hopefully I can have a good preseason and get into the midfield.

“I’ve definitely got a lot of improvement in me, especially my running.”

Hannebery, 27, and Saints forward Paddy McCartin kept a close eye on yesterday’s 3km time trial for first to fourthyear players, including Jack Sinclair, Ed Phillips, Jack Lonie and Josh Battle.

“(Hannebery) has obviously come back a bit earlier, which is awesome, and I’ll definitely hang on to him,” Gresham said.

“He’s obviously been around a pretty successful club, so I’ll pick his brains and hopefully train alongside him.

“He’s a ripping fella and I’m looking forward to him being part of the club.”

St Kilda finished 16th this season, notching just four wins for the season, with Gresham adamant that the team can turn its fortunes around in 2019 with a younger brigade.

“Our consistency (was an issue) and us younger players have got to improve and push the older guys,” he said.

“We can’t rely on Jack Steven and Seb Ross anymore — it’s got to be us younger boys that have to lead the way.

“We’ve spoken about that and we’re ready to step up.”