As the most sought after man in football, Patrick Dangerfield could pick his destination this October. Yet the restricted free agent's future appears tied to one of two destinations: Adelaide or Geelong. He's given the Crows eight great seasons, but will the lure of home prove too great? Here's why he should stay at West Lakes… and also why he should become a Cat.
Dangerfield should stay a Crow
Adelaide's superb form in the second half of the season suggests the club really isn't far away from challenging for a third premiership and, if its form continues, could claim it this year. Geelong looks much further away. The Cats will farewell a solid group of veteran players and it might take time for the younger generation to hoist the club back to the lofty heights we've come to expect. Dangerfield's also established himself as the face of the Adelaide Crows franchise – not just thanks to his on-field performance, but through his weekly stint on morning radio. The 25-year-old seems to enjoy attention, whether it from the media or public and his regular spot on FIVEaa demands the spotlight. As the best-known player in Adelaide, Dangerfield is the biggest fish in a football-obsessed pond. Through club legend and Crows board member Mark Ricciuto, Dangerfield also has access to business connections that could set him up for life. He already owns a share of Ricciuto's hotel - The Alma - along with skipper Taylor Walker and good mate Rory Sloane. It's unlikely he would burn bridges –business related or otherwise – by walking out on the Crows to join Geelong, but they would certainly be reinforced by staying put. - Harry Thring
Dangerfield should go to Cats
Why wouldn't Patrick Dangerfield want to return to where he grew up? Oberon High is nine minutes by car to Simonds Stadium, so you can imagine the dreams Dangerfield had when attending that school of strutting his stuff in front of friends and family. Now, after eight seasons and 151 games of brilliant and dedicated service to Adelaide (only four of them at Simonds Stadium), the chance to live that dream has arrived. He will turn 26 in the first few rounds next season as he returns to a club that is bouncing back to where it operates best - in September. The Cats' culture is great, the location is perfect and his new teammates are as talented as the ones he is leaving, even though leaving them behind will be a wrench. He has a bunch of classy midfielders to play alongside but the Cats will want a ruckman up and running soon, as he might miss Crows' teammate Sam Jacobs more than he imagines. But that's the only question mark. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Dangerfield and his family. He has to take it. - Peter Ryan