Josh Jenkins says bring on Patrick Dangerfield and Cats in battle for AFL flag favouritism

JOSH Jenkins’ candid rallying call to the Adelaide Crows and the head-to-head clash between best mates Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield everyone wants.

Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield comtest for the ball.

Josh Jenkins has urged Adelaide to embrace the buzz around a Patrick Dangerfield v Rory Sloane midfield blockbuster while confronting nemesis Geelong in a fight for flag favouritism.

Adelaide must smash a 14-year win drought at Kardinia Park and four without success against third-placed rival Geelong to quell doubts about its premiership credentials under pressure.

Dangerfield conjured victory with a match-winning goal against Port Adelaide last Thursday night but close friend Sloane looms as the Brownlow Medallist’s toughest match-up.

“I think those two boys would love that,” said Jenkins of a head to head clash between the former Crows co-captains.

“We would all love that. We would love nothing more than to see them butt heads for four quarters. I dare say if it isn’t a direct match up you will see it at some stage.”

Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield with Adelaide’s Rory Sloane. Picture: SARAH REED

Dangerfield is averaging 17.8 contested possessions per game and Sloane 15 while ranked the league’s No.1 tackler.

Sloane – with 30 touches, 13 tackles and two goals against Fremantle - is at his best when pitted against the opposition’s best midfielder as Fremantle’s Nat Fyfe found last Saturday night.

“We have already got the text messages going backwards and forwards,” said Jenkins of Dangerfield.

“I am always keen to watch him play. Those guys get the prime time matches every week so we have been able to watch him. He is playing sensational football and we will be under no illusions that he is an important player for us to take care of.”

Geelong continue to rely on Dangerfield and Joel Selwood but Brad and Matt Crouch excelled against Fremantle while 191cm Hugh Greenwood and Wayne Milera have boosted the Crows engine room.

“Hopefully the strength in numbers we have will win out,” said Jenkins buoyed by a 100 point demolition of Fremantle last Saturday night.

Adelaide is a game ahead of Geelong in top spot with an 8-2 win-loss record.

However, Geelong boss Chris Scott devised the blueprint that ended Adelaide’s eight-game winning streak sand premiership aura last season.

“We have shown our best football is as good as anyone so to go to their home ground and win against a contender would be a great statement,” said Jenkins.

The skinny confines of Kardinia Park have continually confounded Adelaide, particularly last season where its ball movement was held up and attack clogged.

“I hope we build this game up a fair bit, I am really keen to get down and stuck in to the guys who play that ground extremely well,” said Jenkins, a breath of fresh air in an age of football clichés and guarded commentary ahead of his 100th game.

“We have had indifferent form there so it is time for us to show that we are a real contender.”