STRENGTHS: Versatility, marking, composure, positioning
IMPROVEMENTS: Durability, kicking action

SUMMARY: Essendon Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect Daniel Hanna has good footballing pedigree, and put his name forward well after being invited back for his over-age year at Calder. The nephew of Carlton cult-hero Mil, Hanna also broke through for a game in Essendon's VFL side this year, gathering an impressive 21 disposals as a key defender. The versatile tall has played at both ends of the ground over his three years at the Cannons, while also mixing in some time in the ruck when required. Hanna is a decent athlete for his size, and blends it well with natural footballing talent in his strong marking game. The Calder product is also composed in possession, making the most of his touches at 71.6 per cent efficiency and with a clanger rate of just 7.8 per cent by foot. While he is often effective, Hanna looks awkward at times in his kicking action and could look more polished in his delivery. The most obvious area for improvement for Hanna is his durability though, with injuries somewhat curtailing his progress at times throughout the past three years. Pre-seasons and more minutes on the field will help him to prove his durability gain confidence in his body as he continues to develop his skills. Essendon have a couple of tall options they can take a punt on with their NGA and father-son programs, and Hanna is right in the mix.