PATRICK Dangerfield's new Geelong teammates are impatient to play alongside the 25-year-old after seeing what he is capable of doing at training, according to coach Chris Scott.
Scott said the Cats coaches have had to resist the temptation to get too excited about the electrifying Dangerfield, but he could not be happier with what he has seen so far.
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"Patrick has not missed a session, is the ultimate professional and is a phenomenal athlete," Scott said.
"I think our boys are sick of training against him and are looking forward to playing with him."
Scott said Dangerfield's interest in the young players at the club has been notable – particularly his investment in young gun Nakia Cockatoo – as he prepares for his first season with the Cats after 154 games, a best and fairest and three All Australian selections with the Adelaide Crows.
He said Dangerfield, who grew up in the Geelong region, also told the coach at a recent function he was the happiest person in the town at the moment.
Dangerfield married Mardi Harwood at the start of the year and is living on the coast.
"We are a strong believer at this footy club that well-rounded, strong people contribute in the best and most efficient [way]. The fact that Paddy is happy with his life off the field is helping him with his contribution to our footy club internally," Scott said.
Meanwhile the coach said he remained hopeful that fellow midfielder and skipper Joel Selwood would be right for round one as he battled to overcome a foot injury.
The coach admitted Selwood's injury was a minor concern but the club was planning to have him in the best shape to tackle the season, rather than seeing round one as the finishing line.
"He's a pro. He has a lot of work behind him in his career but even in the latter part of last season, the off-season, he got a fair bit work in," Scott said.
"It is not as though he has been idle the last six months."
Scott said Selwood proved two years ago he could perform despite a less than ideal preparation after he hurt a hamstring in a NAB Challenge game.
"History doesn't always repeat. We're pretty confident that he will come together nicely. It's just a question of timing," Scott said.
"Our priority is the season as a whole … I'm still expecting him to play round one. Our medical staff and Joel are on the same page with that but we're not guaranteed [he'll play]."
