Patrick Dangerfield expects Nathan van Berlo to retain the captaincy next season.
"I don't think it's up for grabs," Dangerfield said today in Perth, where the Crows star is preparing to represent Australian in Saturday’s International Rules clash with Ireland.
"I have been really strong on the fact that Nathan has been a terrific leader and continues to be with our football club.
"We have a great group of young leaders at the club. But Nathan's standing within our team is certainly unquestioned within our four walls."
Dangerfield said his body was feeling in good shape after struggling with a number of injury concerns throughout last season. He believes he’s not far off the shape he would be in for the start of an AFL season.
"To be honest it's pretty close," Dangerfield said.
"I've been training for a couple of weeks back with the Crows, so it's pretty good.
"We've got a new coach and a few new staff, so it's good to meet them and have a bit of a run around with the younger guys as well.”
Dangerfield admitted he felt nervous playing alongside some of the modern greats in Australia's International Rules practice match on Tuesday.
The Australian squad, comprised only of All Australian players, registered a comfortable win over a New South Wales Gaelic football representative side at Greater Western Sydney's training base.
"I think everyone was a little rusty early on, I know I certainly was," Dangerfield said.
"It was certainly a good hit-out but you're pretty nervous at the same time because of the calibre of players you are playing with."
The 24-year-old said he was in awe of some of his teammates and was trying to soak in as much of the experience as possible.
"It's been extraordinary really," Dangerfield said.
"To sit down with Luke Hodge, Nick Riewoldt, they are champions of the game and have been for the best part of 10-plus years.
"It's been a real eye-opener and something I have really enjoyed."
Dangerfield said kicking the round ball under pressure was easily the most difficult aspect of playing the hybrid game.
"I think just kicking the ball short," Dangerfield said.
"It is really hard when the pressure is on and you're running at speed to try and control the ball.
"That is something that the Irish do really well because they are used to it, but it is something that I have struggled with."
Dangerfield said the timing of team-mate Taylor Walker’s contract extension would not alter his own plans.
"It is great to see that Taylor has signed on," Dangerfield said.
"But as I have said before, there is no time limit with (my contract).
"My focus at the moment is solely on preparing for this International Series and then Adelaide's season next year."
