Patrick Dangerfield says his long-range bomb in the final quarter against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday was “lucky”, but was at a loss to explain his second brilliant goal from an acute angle.
Dangerfield regained the lead for Adelaide with an inspirational goal early in the tense final term. The explosive midfielder got on the end of some clever centre-square work from ruckman Sam Jacobs and stormed towards goal. Using his non-preferred left foot, Dangerfield set sail with a kick from 60m out. The ball careered through the goals, crashing into the fence on the full.
“You just get in situation sometimes when an opportunity presents itself,” Dangerfield told FIVEaa.
“Sam Jacobs’ follow-up ruckwork after that centre bounce was terrific. He tapped it to my advantage and I was lucky enough to kick it through.
“I’m definitely a right-footer, though.”
Less than two minutes later, Dangerfield crashed through a stoppage inside Adelaide’s forward 50m. In slippery conditions, the All Australian collected the ball cleanly off the ground and, off a few steps at full speed, snapped at goal – this time off his right foot. The ball curved around and – despite a review – went through for a goal to extend his team’s lead to nine points.
“That second goal … I’m not quite sure what happened!” he said with a laugh.
Dangerfield and reigning Club Champion Scott Thompson both responded to quiet games in Round One, with standout performances against the Lions. Dangerfield had a game-high eight clearances to go with 23 possessions and 2.1. Thompson was the leading disposal-getter on the ground, amassing 31 possessions, eight inside 50ms and seven clearances. Matthew Wright also made amends for a tough outing against Bombers skipper Jobe Watson a fortnight ago. Wright kept Lions playmaker Daniel Rich to 16 possessions, while collecting 17 touches and seven clearances of his own.
Adelaide won the overall clearance count 45-32.
“The clearances were a big one for us because we were so poor against Essendon in Round One. As a midfield group, we set ourselves to improve in that area and I thought we did that,” Dangerfield said.
“Matty Wright played an outstanding game. Brisbane looked to play through Daniel Rich and tried to give him the ball at every occasion, but Wrighty’s concentration was great. And every time there was a turnover he was looking to attack as well.”
An addition to the midfield group against Brisbane, Brad Crouch also impressed Dangerfield.
“It was great to see Brad come in and play his first game,” he said.
“His clean ball take … and ability to take on a tackler and get his hands free, he’s a very strong young player.
“It’s his first year being exposed to the speed of AFL, so we need to be patient with him but we’re buoyed by what we’re seeing and excited about what we think he can deliver for us.”
The Crows defence also held firm, limiting Brisbane to only 10 goals for the game. Talls Jonathan Brown and Stefan Martin only managed two goals-combined against Ben Rutten and Daniel Talia. Andy Otten and Luke Brown were also steadfast.
The back six could be bolstered by the return of running defender Brodie Smith, who has recovered from a fractured collarbone. Graham Johncock and Sam Kerridge led the charge of players pressing for selection in the SANFL.
Dangerfield it would be hot for spots in Balfours Showdown XXXIV at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.
“You’ve got to play good footy to stay in the side, and it’s going to be a tough match committee this week,” he said.
“Stiffy did everything he possibly could to put his name forward. With only a few minutes to go, Port were down by four or five goals and then Stiffy kicked about four in a row … I’m sure he’ll tell us all about it at recovery.”
Balfours Showdown XXXIV is Port Adelaide’s ‘home’ game, but Dangerfield encouraged Crows fans to get along and support their team.
“It’s Port Adelaide’s home game, but I’d love to see more Crows than Power fans there on the weekend and I reckon we’ve got an opportunity to do that on Sunday.”
Join the Club as a 2013 reserved seat member and lock away your place at Adelaide Oval 2014. Visit 19thman.com.au/adelaideoval for more information and to register your interest.
