Geelong Cats: Patrick Dangerfield concedes return game was a ‘bit rusty’

Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield conceded he felt he and his teammates were “well outplayed” despite leaving the SCG with two points.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats runs with the ball during the round 16 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats at Sydney Cricket Ground, on June 30, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield has conceded he felt a “bit rusty” after a week on the sidelines.

The 2016 Brownlow Medalist suffered a collapsed lung against Port Adelaide in round 14 and declared himself fit to face Melbourne in round 15, but after the Cats’ medical staff held him back he returned for the draw against the Swans.

Dangerfield conceded it was not his best game of football, finishing the game with 15 disposals, five clearances and one tackle from 75 per cent game time.

“(I was a) bit rusty, but it’s better to be out on the deck than in the stands watching, I can tell you that’s no fun,” he said to Fox Footy after the game.

“I think I’ll be better for the run.

Dangerfield played just one game on his return from a hamstring injury, then suffered a collapsed lung which kept him out a further week. Picture: Mark Metcalfe

“I don’t feel like we played anywhere near our best footy and were well outplayed for the majority of that game.

“We were really poor around the ball, our contested work, tackling, ability to keep it in when it’s a 50-50 contest, they moved it quite well, hit the shorts well.

“I think collectively we were off in many areas and they played really well, they were on from the very beginning, but we allowed too many hit up marks across the half forward.”

The draw leaves Geelong two points outside of the top eight with four of the Cats’ next five games at GMHBA Stadium.

Originally published as Geelong Cats: Patrick Dangerfield concedes return game was a ‘bit rusty’