Geelong veteran and premiership player Patrick Dangerfield says he would be willing to put his hand up for the captaincy role vacated by premiership skipper Joel Selwood.
When asked if he’d throw his hat into the ring for the role, Dangerfield said, “I think so”, adding that there were multiple contenders.
Paddy Dangerfield and Joel Selwood after the grand final.Credit:Eddie Jim.
“I mean, we’ve got so many different players to be honest that could fill that void that’s left by Joel. We’re in a really fortunate position,” Dangerfield said, speaking at the AFL Players Association’s first year induction day.
“So, I’m probably one of five people that could very, very easily assume that role.”
Selwood leaves big shoes to fill, having captained the club from 2012 to 2022 and played the most games as an AFL captain (245). He also holds the Geelong record for most games played (355).
However Dangerfield said the Cats are spoilt for choice when it comes to who next takes over the reins with leadership qualities spread among the playing group.
“To be honest it’s probably more than just four others … we’ve been privileged over a long time that we’ve been a really successful group and that doesn’t happen by accident,” he said.
“That happens with good leadership both on and off the field.”
While Geelong have many candidates that could assume the role closer to age 30 than 20, Dangerfield said the priority was finding someone to lead them to a flag this year instead of a long-term prospect.
“The decision for us will be about best person for the job for next year. It’s not really looking any further beyond that,” said Dangerfield.
“It’s to give us the best chance of winning a grand final in season 2023. So, I get the notion behind, you know, longer-term appointments but we also want to win now.”
Dangerfield himself is 32, while Tom Stewart 29, Mark Blicavs 31, Isaac Smith 34, Tom Hawkins 34, Gary Rohan 31, Cameron Guthrie 30 and Jeremy Cameron 29.
However, one young prospect could be 27-year-old Tom Atkins, who received the best clubman award in 2022.
In not giving too much away, Dangerfield said the coaches will make the call with the players and the club’s board.
Geelong win the 2022 premiership.Credit:Scott Barbour
The club has also added a slew of recruits since their flag win in September, youngsters who Dangerfield said are “looking good” and settling into the club.
“But everyone will say the same thing. You know, we’ve got a lot of work to do, and so do our new recruits, so there’s no guarantees. But so far, the condition that everyone’s shown up in, it’s been professional as it should be at this stage.”
He also added the new silverware in their trophy cabinet has inspired a new hunger to do it all again this year.
“It sort of gives you the taste of what the ultimate success is like. You know, the underlying feeling that you want more of it,” he said.
“So, the hunger is there from our group, we’ve got to make sure that we show that with what the next two months are and then with what the season is.
“So, there’s a lot of work that goes into the season, it can’t come too far ahead … I think that’s the trap that teams can get into rather than just focusing on the present.”
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