PATRICK Dangerfield says he respects Nathan Bock's decision to take up an offer with Gold Coast, but would have stayed with Adelaide if he were put in the same situation.
To the disappointment of his teammates, Bock announced on Tuesday that he would be leaving the Crows at the end of 2010 to pursue a career with the Suns.
Dangerfield resisted the lure of returning home to Victoria by signing a two-year deal with the Crows earlier this season.
The 19-year-old said the introduction of the cashed-up Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney clubs would test the loyalty of some players, but he had every intention of being a one-club player.
"It would have been a tough decision for Bocky, but at the same time I haven't been here very long and I'd like to see myself playing for only one club," Dangerfield said on Thursday.
"In Bocky's situation, he's 27 years old … he's a lot older than I am, so I can see where he's coming from but I'm not sure I would have made the same decision.
"It's certainly something that's going to test a lot of players with the money that is being thrown around at the moment, but in the end that's a decision that those particular players have to make … and it's one they have to live with.
"I'm not sure if Bocky will regret it … it depends if he's driving an Aston Martin with a house on the beach on the Gold Coast."
Two weeks ago, coach Neil Craig said he was confident that Adelaide's culture would encourage all of the club's uncontracted players, including Bock, to sign new deals.
Dangerfield said culture and his respect for Craig were two of the main reasons behind his decision to stay at West Lakes.
"I think the club culture we've got here is outstanding. Not knowing what a lot of other clubs are like … with that blokey-type environment - I don't think we've got that here," he said.
"It's a very professional environment … and I think we're building towards a premiership in the next couple of years, otherwise I wouldn't be here.
"A lot has been said about Neil Craig, but I think Neil is an outstanding coach and I can't imagine being coached by anyone other than him. He's been terrific for me in my development and he was a massive influence in me signing up.
"We've had a poor season on the field, but moving forward I think we can be a force to be reckoned with."
However, as the first player to officially commit to the Suns, Dangerfield said Bock deserved credit for his honesty.
"It was very good of Nathan to come forward and put it all on the table," he said.
"I think you'll find that at the end of the year a lot of players will be sneaking out the back door, but Nathan was up front and honest with the entire group."
In-form midfielder Scott Thompson and half-forward Richard Douglas are both poised to re-sign with the club.
Adelaide will lose more than 1000 games' experiences at the end of the season through the departure of Bock and retirees Burton, Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards and possibly Andrew McLeod.
"We've lost players in the calibre of Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards and Brett Burton … it's going to be a challenging time no doubt, but a very exciting time," Dangerfield said.