TRAVIS Boak knows what it's like to be in Patrick Dangerfield's shoes, and the Port Adelaide skipper has defended the Crows star's decision to walk out on his club.
Adelaide confirmed restricted free agent Dangerfield wants to "return home to Victoria" on Wednesday, almost certainly to join Geelong and be closer to his family in Moggs Creek.
It was only three years ago that Boak was in a similar situation.
The Cats tried to woo the then out-of-contract Power midfielder and flew a delegation, led by coach Chris Scott and captain Joel Selwood, to speak to Boak during the 2012 season.
Boak eventually re-signed with Port, despite the strong pull of family and home in Torquay, and led the club to a preliminary final last year.
Dangerfield's greatest moments as a Crow
But he said Dangerfield should not be criticised for deciding to return back to Victoria.
"I don't think people can criticise Paddy for leaving. I think he's given great support and great service to the Adelaide Football Club in the time he's been there," Boak told Triple M.
"He's helped them to where they are today and we saw on Friday night what he's done for the club. He's given everything for the club really.
"I guess that's the way footy is going these days with free agency and things like that these things are going to happen, that's part of footy.
"Paddy wants to go back home and be closer to family – you can't criticise players for that."
Boak was named captain of Port in 2013 after Ken Hinkley took the coaches' reins, and helped guide the Power from 14th the previous year back into finals.
"I certainly am glad I did stay and obviously the time I was going through the decision was a pretty tough time for the club," he said.
"The decision to stay really came down to I felt I had so much more to do at the club, and felt like I had so much more to give back to the club.
"From there we've been able to take some steps forward … I feel like I was a big part of that and able to help lead the rest of the boys in that journey to take the club forward."
