DrinkWise ambassador Patrick Dangerfield says ‘people can have a good time without going over the top’

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield has spoken of a painful incident close to his heart as he shares a message to footy fans on the eve of the finals.

Footy great Patrick Dangerfield has spoken of the heartache a drink driving tragedy caused his family in a warning to fans about alcohol consumption on the eve of the AFL finals.

The Geelong captain will on Wednesday be unveiled among AFL, AFLW, NRL and NRLW stars uniting to stress the importance of moderating alcohol consumption and showing respect to others.

In an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, Dangerfield said he signed as a DrinkWise ambassador because it aligned with his own principles and passion to keep spectators safe in the stands.

“I share the same sort of values around having a good time but doing it responsibly, drinking in moderation,’’ he said.

Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield has signed as a DrinkWise ambassador.

But it was also a cause close to his heart following the death of his uncle Tim Utber, 20, in a Melbourne car accident in the mid 1990s.

‘‘I’ve had a family of tragedy that has involved alcohol and that has sort of been with my for a while,’’ he said.

“So it’s spreading a message that I believe in, that affects people’s lives, but also being realistic that people want to go out and have a good time but can do it without going over the top.’’

New DrinkWise research reveals 20 per cent of AFL and NRL fans missed a great sporting moment because they had too much to drink.

Patrick Dangerfield’s uncle Tim Utber died in a car crash aged 20.

Dangerfield said the death of his uncle still stung his family and was “still relevant in the sense of making good decisions.’’

“It ties into celebrating responsibly,’’ he said.

“Everyone that goes out wants to have a good time, not just those that are drinking, so being respectful in the sense.

“But there is a view that ‘I’ve had a few drinks so I can behave in a certain way’ and I think it’s kind of challenging that behaviour as well.’’

Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield with North Melbourne star Emma Kearney.

With Geelong kicking off the finals against Port Adelaide on Thursday night, Dangerfield said the Cats could feel the love of Victorian fans.

“The last week and this week, just the vibe of the town – in and around the place – there is an excitement,’’ he said.

“Definitely part of that has been the start of the AFLW season for us but also what we’re looking to achieve throughout our finals series.

“There is a great sense of anticipation around the town and we’ve got to do our part now.’’

While his focus was firmly on the Power, Dangerfield said the prospect of retiring Geelong great Tom Hawkins coming back into the team if the Cats win through to the preliminary final appealed.

“It would be fantastic but that doesn’t happen unless we get the job done this week,’’ he said.

“I’ve certainly learned that over the years, that the real pros focus on the here and the now and what we can effect and influence this week and that is Port.

“What happens beyond there – we will have enough time in the week to process once the game is finished.’’

Dangerfield confirmed he wanted to play on for an 18th AFL season next year.

“I’m keen to go around and those sort of conversations will ramp up post season,’’ he said.

“I’m not worried that I’m not going to have a job at the end of the year.

‘I’ve still got a great passion for the game but that will work itself at season’s end.’’

He said the research stating 95 per cent of AFL and NRL fans agreed it was important people drank responsibly at sporting events was encouraging.

“With the change of season everything becomes more of a social existence now as the clouds start to part,’’ he said.

“Absolutely you can have a good time but you can do it with moderate consumption, not going over the top and being aware of those around you.’’