Drafted with North Melbourne’s first pick in 2006, Hansen was immediately lumbered with immense expectations and was touted as the club’s next centre half-back.

He made his debut in round one of 2007 but was dropped after just two games. A promising season with Tasmania saw Hansen recalled for the exciting semi-final win against Hawthorn.

The number 6 continued to improve in 2008 and played the final eight games of the season in defence against bigger, more experienced opponents.

Much was expected of Hansen in 2009, and the opening rounds suggested he was set for a big year. 21 possessions and 11 marks against Essendon the highlight before a hamstring injury in round five kept him out of the next six games.

He returned in round 12, and played the final 11 games of the season predominantly as a lead up forward. It remains to be seen whether he’s better suited to play in defence or attack, but a bright future looms either way.

Darren Crocker 2009 review:
He really developed down back and we really thought he was coming on. He did his hamstring, came back from that and then we threw him around and thought, 'let's play him as a forward'. He's got an enormous tank and he's obviously strong overhead so we gave him a strong go at centre half-forward. At times he showed he could actually play that role. He averaged three shots on goal per game throughout that time but he obviously has areas of his game he needs to continue to work on. At the end of the season, we put him down back on Nick Riewoldt against St Kilda and thought, 'what better education is there then to play on one of the best key forwards in the competition?'

Draft history: 2006 NAB AFL Draft 1st round selection (North Melbourne) No. 3 overall.
First game for North Melbourne: Round 1, 2007 v Collingwood

Player sponsors: Pamela and Kerry Hoobin, Leslie Gordon

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