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.
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.
“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.
The Cat
Roar Rookie
i think the point has been made about his origins already. From Croweater land? I dont think so.
the cat
Guest
Come home Patrick back where you belong, we need you . At Geelong
Mic
Guest
Kinda like the Lions and Fevola stink. Thanks for Hendersen by the way
Radelaide
Guest
Yeah but Ryder's what we need even though I wouldn't say no to Danger. Last year we needed some outside speed and we got Polec, White and Impey and look how that turned out.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
lol, this is true - even I'm confused now. I'll take 1 Dangerfield for 3 Ryders though.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I think our International Rules team will have the same problem on Saturday
vocans
Guest
The Cats have had a few goodies from Croweater land, so hands off!
Radelaide
Guest
Too many Paddy's, getting confused.
vocans
Guest
I agree. I'd like to see Danger as a leading forward most of the time with cameos on the ball and in the mids. He has a good pair of hands, and few could keep up with him off the mark. Zoning his lead shouldn't matter too much either because he can mix it as we all know. Smith is serious stuff.
Radelaide
Guest
I was talking about Ryder.
Adam Cummings
Roar Rookie
That's a reasonable summation I reckon. He certainly doesn't seem like a "limelight hogging" or "me-me-me" type of bloke & comes across as a genuinely likeable lad. I don't think you can question his commitment to the team while he's there, I just think in this current climate he'd be mad not to explore his options (particularly if he's not 100% happy in Adelaide and/or the lure of home is strong - which he's mentioned). I think with that right though, he rules himself out of the captaincy race for this year at least. If he delays talks til the year's end, you can't have him running around as skipper.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
You do know he is a Geelong Falcons boy don't you? I'd say there is a very good chance he is coming home to us next year. I hope for your guys sake he doesn't, because despite what others think, he is all class. Love his attitude, work rate and off field demeanour - an all round great guy.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I question how much longer Danger's body will permit him to play the way he has been playing as well. The Bulldogs have got a lot to answer for, in terms of inflating the market. Desperation is a stinky cologne.
Radelaide
Guest
Well I do want our opposition to trip up. The only way I would want Dangerfield is if he came cheap (free agency) and he wasn't on huge (Boyd) money, I wont bag him because he is very good but is his team ethos up to what Port are requiring atm? and will his body hold up with his kamikaze style of play? if I had a choice of picking a crow right now it would be Brodie Smith hands down, his kick is equal or better than Polec and Hartlett and his speed when he ran down Jetta...Wow!
vocans
Guest
I might be naive as hell, but Danger seems to me to be the ultimate team player both on and off the field. I don't think money is his number one priority, but it will be up there. I think he's the type of guy who has to feel right with himself and that means behaving ethically. If his heart's with the Crows he'll stay and he'll be a one club player like the previous no. 32.
vocans
Guest
I don't think Walsh will wear stepping back in any way shape or form.
vocans
Guest
That's a bit better but homegrown should be Port bound?
vocans
Guest
I guess he should run to the Power, eh Rad? Stirring the Crows again? Can't wait for Showdowns 2015!
Adam Cummings
Roar Rookie
It's the new "business era" that sport/AFL has become - we want loyalty and "one club" sensibilities, but that's not a two way street & clubs are happy to offload players if it suits them. You can't begrudge a bloke exploring his options in this current climate. Anyone saying that they wouldn't want Danger is kidding themselves - he's an out and out gun. That being said, you need everyone pulling int he same direction if you are to be successful. The club is bigger than the individual (blah blah blah - pardon the boring old cliche) and no-one should bankrupt themselves for one player. Using the reigning premiers as the example - lost Buddy but won the flag. The Cats in recent years took pay cuts and tasted the ultimate. Has Danger cost himself a shot at the captaincy? Probably - can't give it to him unless he commits 100% to the club and that doesn't look like happening in the near future. Maybe down the track who knows.....
Radelaide
Guest
Hands off our homegrown product :)