Crow Patrick Dangerfield says he’ll be “fine” to take on Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
Dangerfield sustained a knock to his knee during the third quarter of the win over Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, but was able to play out the game. The damaging midfielder said the injury was only minor and wouldn’t prevent him playing in the sold-out blockbuster.
“I’m fine. It was just a slight knock to the knee,” Dangerfield told FIVEaa on Monday.
“It was a little bit sore at the time, but it won’t be an issue at all.”
Dangerfield was one of four Crows to pick up minor injuries in Adelaide’s win over GWS.
Defender Ben Rutten was substituted in the first quarter after suffering a concussion in a marking contest. Rutten also suffered a broken nose, but it was the concussion that kept him sidelined.
Scott Thompson also finished the match on the interchange after receiving a knock to the back of his leg. Daniel Talia suffered a corked buttock but, like Dangerfield, played out the game. All three will need to prove their fitness at training ahead of the Hawks clash.
Dangerfield said Rutten had pulled up well despite sporting a mangled nose.
“Truck looks horrendous. The poor guy announces his retirement and then breaks his nose,” Dangerfield said with a laugh.
“I’d say ‘Truck’ will be fine. I think it was more just precautionary (because of the associated concussion). Daniel Talia copped a knock to the backside, but I’m sure he’ll be right to go as well.
“Thommo got a knock too. Given we were up comfortably on Saturday, it was decided it was best not to risk him.
“I’m sure those boys will be put through training during the week and a call will be made towards the end of the week.”
The entire Crows squad will place a heavy emphasis on recovery this week as they prepare for a second straight six-day break between games.
Most of the Adelaide players, who were together at the team hotel in Western Sydney, watched North Melbourne upset the Hawks on Friday night. Dangerfield said the Crows were bracing themselves for a strong response from the reigning premiers this week.
“It’s certainly something the coaches and players will dissect, how North Melbourne went about winning. We’re very aware that Hawthorn is a quality side and they’ll be out to improve on their performance from last week,” he said.
“It’s a massive game for us but with the 19th Man behind us I’m sure we can play some good footy this week. We’re going to have 50,000 people at Adelaide Oval on a Friday night against the reigning premiers. It’s a great game for us.
“We don’t get too many opportunities to play on a Friday night.”
The Crows remain one win outside the top eight after the Kangaroos and Gold Coast both recorded wins last weekend. Dangerfield said Adelaide wouldn’t spend time worrying about other results as the pointy end of the season approaches.
“For us, it’s about controlling what we can control. If we’re good enough, we’ll make it (the top eight) but in order to do that we need to keep winning games of footy,” he said.
“We were discussing it on the way home from Sydney. We can’t quite remember a season like this. It’s a really exciting season and so many teams are around the mark to play finals.
“It’s a great thing for football fans and makes for interesting watching.”
