Patrick Dangerfield’s Adelaide return ‘most unlikely’ despite no new deal
Before Crows fans can begin salivating about the thought of Patrick Dangerfield’s return, it seems plans for a return to Adelaide were not as serious as first thought.
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The idea of Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield finishing his career back in Adelaide was raised over the summer but the conversation has been described as more light-hearted banter than a serious proposal.
It has been reported the Crows raised the possibility of the Brownlow Medallist, who turned 34 last month, returning back to where it all started 16 years ago.
But before Adelaide fans start salivating at the thought of their former favourite son winding back the clock and wearing the tricolours again, the chances of the move happening are considered “most unlikely”.
The exchange between a Crows representative and Dangerfield regarding a return to South Australia is believed to have taken place at the start of the year.
It was laughed off at the time but Dangerfield is coming out of contract at the end of the season which would make him a restricted free agent.
The veteran has been spending more time in Adelaide over recent years because of his injury problems with the Cats chief physiotherapist Steve Saunders based in the City of Churches.
Dangerfield is currently sidelined again after straining his hamstring in the Cats Round 7 victory over Carlton.
He has repeatedly described Saunders as a guru who helped him to stay on the park during the Cats 2022 premiership season.
Dangerfield was taken by the Crows with pick No. 10 in the 2007 draft and spent the first eight seasons of his career in Adelaide where he was named an All Australian three times and won a best and fairest award in 2015.
After 154 games he then opted to utilise free agency, moving back to be around family in his home town of Moggs Creek, a 45-minute drive from Geelong, in 2016.
He has played another 171 games in the blue and white hoops, winning a Brownlow Medal and adding five more All-Australian jumpers.
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