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Dangerfield's destination still up in the air

19th November, 2014
26

Star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield is yet to commit his AFL future to Adelaide – and it might cost him the chance to captain the club.

The long-term futures of Dangerfield and Rory Sloane remain up in the air, with the pair set to attract significant interest on the free agency scene once their current deals expire at the end of next year.

Star forward Taylor Walker is off the market after re-signing with Adelaide until the end of 2018, while Sloane has already publicly stated his desire to remain a Crow.

But Dangerfield was unwilling to give any such assurances when quizzed on the issue ahead of Saturday night’s one-off International Rules Test against Ireland in Perth.

“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.”

Dangerfield and Sloane shared the captaincy last season during the injury absence of skipper Nathan van Berlo.

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Although van Berlo has fully recovered, new coach Phil Walsh is yet to decide who will captain the club in 2015.

Dangerfield’s uncertain future could cost him the gig, but the 24-year-old Victorian thinks van Berlo should retain the role.

“I don’t think it’s up for grabs,” Dangerfield said.

“Nathan’s standing within our team is certainly unquestioned within our four walls. He’s a terrific leader and continues to be.”

Dangerfield has lapped up the experience of mixing with some of the AFL’s finest during the lead-up to Saturday’s Test against Ireland.

Only past or present All-Australians were eligible for selection, and Dangerfield said he had particularly enjoyed hanging out with renowned leaders Luke Hodge and Nick Riewoldt.

Australia haven’t won a series against Ireland since 2010, and Dangerfield said the star-studded squad were desperate to make amends.

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“It’s been really disappointing the last couple of series, and that’s something we certainly want to rectify,” Dangerfield said.

Star Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe is almost certain to miss the match after injuring his right shoulder during the dying moments of Tuesday’s practice match.

Dangerfield said the injury hadn’t scared off other players from taking part in Saturday’s clash.

The round ball poses the biggest challenge to Australia, especially for players trying to kick while at full pace.

Although Ireland will have the advantage when it comes to kicking skills, Dangerfield said the bigger bodies of the Australian team could prove crucial in the final result.

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