Star Crow Patrick Dangerfield has put an end to speculation over his playing future, signing a new three-year deal with the Club.
Click the play button above to hear Danger speak about sticking with the Crows
Selected with pick No.10 in the 2007 AFL Draft, Dangerfield has played 73 games at Adelaide.
The explosive 22-year-old, who switched between the midfield and forward line in the early part of his career, has taken his game to another level since being assigned a greater midfield role under rookie coach Brenton Sanderson.
He has played a vital part in his team’s strong start to the season, ranking second in the AFL in contested possession (140) and equal-third in clearances (65).
There had been media conjecture the game-breaking onballer could be lured back to Victoria to be closer to his tight-knit family, but Dangerfield told afc.com.au his decision to stay at West Lakes was “straight forward”.
“It wasn’t a tough decision to stay,” Dangerfield told afc.com.au on Monday.
“Team success is a huge factor (in the decision) as is the relationship you have with your coach, which I think is a real positive for us with ‘Sando’ here at the Club. (I considered) Family back home compared to living here away from them, but once I sorted all that out it was a pretty straight-forward decision.
“I think we’ve got a huge future ahead of us. The start we’ve had to the season has been really good and going forward we’re only going to be a better side the more we adjust to Sando’s game style … and get to know each other’s games.
“I think we’ll be a successful side this year, not just in the first half of the season but in the second half of the year as well.”
Dangerfield follows promising young players Jared Petrenko and Brodie Smith in re-signing with Adelaide this season. Emerging leader Rory Sloane has also indicated he will remain at the Club.
Crows football operations manager Phil Harper said the Club was thrilled to secure Dangerfield’s services until at least the end of 2015
“It’s a really important signing as Patrick is a key part of our midfield into the future,” Harper said.
“His decision also is a strong show of loyalty and confidence in the direction the team is heading under new coach Brenton Sanderson.”
Sanderson has publicly stated the importance of Dangerfield committing his future to the Crows, and was understandably happy to hear the No.32 had agreed to the terms of a new deal.
“Like he does most of the time, Sando had a nice big smile on his face when I told him (I’d re-signed),” Dangerfield said.
“It’s good to get mine out of the way and now we can focus on getting the other boys re-signed and on playing footy rather than players’ contracts.”
Included in the Club’s five-man leadership group for the 2012 season, Dangerfield said he was enjoying his footy at Adelaide and also his new midfield role.
“I’ve loved playing in the midfield, which I haven’t done a huge amount. It’s been good this year, but I don’t think I can underestimate the work I did last year with ‘Craigy’ (former coach Neil Craig) in the forward line,” Dangerfield said.
“I think that’s made me become a better midfielder. The start to my career has been a good way to help me become a better midfielder. The even contribution we’ve got in the midfield at the moment has been really good for us, and if we can keep that even spread we’ll be a good side.”
Check back to afc.com.au throughout the day for more on Danger’s decision to stay.
