Sydney officials warned Dan Hannebery in December about his off-field behaviour after becoming concerned about repeated reports linked to the young All-Australian midfielder.

But the club has denied that Hannebery’s recent car accident was fuelled by alcohol or drugs, nor that the warning involved his new-found friendship with Lance Franklin.

Dan Hannebery's friendship with Lance Franklin has been a source of constant speculation in recent weeks. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

While the Swans refused to take a public position on Hannebery, it is understood that football chiefs, including coach John Longmire and football director Dean Moore, were moved to confront the 2010 NAB Rising Star after continued stories came back to the club regarding Hannebery’s off-field lifestyle.

Hannebery, 23, was reminded that he would continue to face scrutiny as a star AFL player and should move to curtail any behaviour that drew attention to him.