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The Danger Man: Why Dangerfield is the most influential player of his generation
Chris Scott has never made any secret of his belief that recruiting Patrick Dangerfield in 2016 transformed the Cats.
On the field, he helped restore a superb team into being a great team once again, leading a new generation into a new way.
Joel Selwood, Chris Scott and Patrick Dangerfield after winning the 2022 premiershipCredit: Getty Images
Off the field, he set a tone that allowed the people within the club to be themselves. Surfing could be part of a player’s routine, or fishing, or herding cows. They could shrug after a loss, and laugh heading into a match.
A competitive beast, Dangerfield recognises that winning all the time is impossible, while still chasing a premiership as hard as the most steely eyed AFL players.
It opened the eyes of the skipper Joel Selwood – the then-Crow’s arrival helping him loosen up. The captain’s generosity was complemented by Dangerfield’s sense of fun and perspective.
Gardiner out sick but Andrews backs Lions to stand up
By Roy Ward
Lions veteran Harris Andrews backs his sides defence to hold up despite losing Darcy Gardiner to illness and Jack Payne to a serious knee injury last week.
Gardiner was a late change announced an hour before the game with Bruce Reville coming in and taking the sub role.
Harris Andrews of the Lions warms up.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“Darcy is a little bit crook, so unfortunately, he won’t be out there tonight but we will shuffle the decks and off we go,” Andrews told Fox Footy.
“We have a lot of guys who have played a lot of footy down there. Jaspa Fletcher will come back which is exciting for us.”
AFL score involvement leaders
‘It’s kept me fresh’: Dangerfield says Cats move extended his career
The seats at GMHBA Stadium are white as special ‘Kit out the Cattery’ t-shirts cover pretty much all of them ahead of Patrick Dangerfield’s 350th game and Tyson Stengle 100th game.
Dangerfield said he felt his move to Geelong from Adelaide had extended his career due to the way players can “disconnect” from work when they head home to their coastal homes or farms.
A Cats fan in his ‘Kit out the Cattery’ white t-shirt.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“It’s kept me fresh mentally and that’s half the battle for an older player,” Dangerfield told Fox Footy pregame.
Dangerfield said he was enjoying playing more time as a forward due to the reduction in running and in heavy tackles he would face in the midfield.
“I’ve loved it, I’ve always seen myself as a pseudo, tiny full forward and now I’m living the dream to finish the last bit of my career there,” Dangerfield told Fox Footy.
He isn’t finishing anytime soon either.
A view of GMHBA Stadium pregame.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“I want to keep playing as long as I can but I will only keep playing as long as I’m good,” Dangerfield said.
“I want to be able to beat my opponent and beat most players around me. You need that competitive nature.
“As an old coach said, it’s not about whether you can play, it’s whether you can perform.”
Emotional Betts pays tribute to Stengle
Former AFL star Eddie Betts admits he is proud to see Geelong forward Tyson Stengle reach his 100th game tonight.
Betts and his wife Anna have worked closely with Stengle since he first came to Melbourne, including having him live with their family for a time and Anna is also Stengle’s player manager.
Tyson Stengle of the Cats celebrates a goal.Credit: Getty Images
“He’s like my son, like a big brother to my kids…I get a bit emotional talking about him,” Betts told Fox Footy pregame.
“Geelong were crying out for a small forward and he has repaid them in spades.
“My daughter Maggie is running out with him so that will be super exciting and she’s very happy about that.”
Betts will be playing his usual role as a part of Fox Footy’s commentary team tonight as well.
Lions lose defender in late change
Darcy Gardiner was meant to be the replacement for injured defender Jack Payne but he is out with Bruce Reville coming in as a late replacement.
It’s not clear if he is injured or unwell.
Reville will be the sub for the Lions, Ollie Henry will be sub for the Cats.
The Danger Man: Why Dangerfield is the most influential player of his generation
Chris Scott has never made any secret of his belief that recruiting Patrick Dangerfield in 2016 transformed the Cats.
On the field, he helped restore a superb team into being a great team once again, leading a new generation into a new way.
Joel Selwood, Chris Scott and Patrick Dangerfield after winning the 2022 premiershipCredit: Getty Images
Off the field, he set a tone that allowed the people within the club to be themselves. Surfing could be part of a player’s routine, or fishing, or herding cows. They could shrug after a loss, and laugh heading into a match.
A competitive beast, Dangerfield recognises that winning all the time is impossible, while still chasing a premiership as hard as the most steely eyed AFL players.
It opened the eyes of the skipper Joel Selwood – the then-Crow’s arrival helping him loosen up. The captain’s generosity was complemented by Dangerfield’s sense of fun and perspective.
Interactive: The road to the finals
Good evening
G’day everyone and welcome to our AFL live blog as Geelong and Brisbane face off in Geelong.
First bounce is set for 7.40pm AEST.
Please enjoy the game and post game reactions to come.
