One proviso as AFL champion weighs up retirement call
Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield is keen to play on in 2027 and extend his storied career, but only if it is in the best interests of the club.
The 2016 Brownlow Medallist will be 37 next year, but has shown at stages this season, and in last year’s preliminary final, that he can still dominate games when the Cats need him to.
Patrick Dangerfield of Geelong. AFL Photos
Dangerfield has played 370 games and an extra season could get him to the fabled 400 mark.
When asked if he was keen to play on, he said that if Geelong was keen to have him, he likely would.
“I’d like to (play in 2027),” Dangerfield told SEN.
“But I want to be able to impact and play the way that I have for the majority of my career.
“The club has been great in that capacity, and we’re sort of on the same page around that.
“So, that really won’t be something that’ll happen in the next six weeks. It’s sort of (towards the) back end of the year, we’ll see where things are at.
“It’s got to be the right thing for Geelong.
“I’m under no illusions that the progression of the club is a critical part of where we go, and you can’t have people that are holding that back.”
Dangerfield said his motivation to play has only grown in the twilight stages of his career.
“The motivation, I reckon, I loved the game more in recent times,” he said.
“Even the bad games, you know? Whether that’s because you get to the back end of your career and you realise just how special it is to be involved in footy.
“But I think if the body holds up, I can impact games, then I’m keen to see what it looks like.
Patrick Cripps of the Blues chats with Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats AFL Photos via Getty Images
“But that’s still some while away. I think anyone that’s been in footy, and you’re sitting next to a couple of greats in the call box, and there’s nothing quite like it.
“So, without being too selfish, I’m keen to keep going, but it’s got to be the right thing for all parties, and that won’t be something sort of decided soon, really.”
The veteran indicated he was likely to play in the top four clash on Thursday night against Fremantle, despite it being a trip to Perth off a five-day break.
