So it’s little wonder rival AFL clubs started circling when they realised the explosive 24-year-old was coming out of contract at the end of 2013.
But Hanley opted to stay faithful to the Brisbane Lions, who took a punt on the then untried teenager back in 2007.
Now in his sixth season at the elite level, Hanley is among the Lions’ most important players and is heavily favoured to take out this year’s Club Champion award.
And after signing a five year contract earlier in the week, it looks as though he will remain the Club until the end of his playing days.
“I’m pretty happy at the moment. I definitely see us going somewhere, and am happy to be signed for five years,” Hanley said on Tuesday.
“I love the football club and I love Brisbane. They gave me a chance at the start and I’m repaying them now. I’m happy to be a Lion for life.”
Hanley said the timing of the announcement had absolutely nothing to do with Michael Voss' shock departure from the Club last week.
The Irishman also claimed the uncertainty of who would be leading the Lions into the future was not a major concern for him and his teammates, who maintain an incredibly close bond.
“I agreed to the contract well before what happened last week,” Hanley said.
“The main thing is the players, and we’re really a united group. I love playing with them, and trust the people in charge are going to point us in the right direction and do what’s right for us.
“We’ve got a good young group, a very talented list, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
