HT: How do you feel about one day captaining the Adelaide Football Club?
PD: I'd love to be the captain. I think if you asked any young, aspiring leader within their football club that question they'd give the same answer.
PD: I'd love to be the captain. I think if you asked any young, aspiring leader within their football club that question they'd give the same answer.
You're the second best player in the competition according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. Does that sit well with you?
I'm not sure how to take it to be honest. I think there are a lot better players in the competition than myself but it's nice to be up there. Ultimately, the guy at the top, Gary Ablett, is the best player the game's seen. I've been consistent for two seasons now but Ablett, or a player like Scott Pendlebury's been consistent for probably five seasons. That's what every young player wants is really good performances but consistently for a long period of time.
I'm not sure how to take it to be honest. I think there are a lot better players in the competition than myself but it's nice to be up there. Ultimately, the guy at the top, Gary Ablett, is the best player the game's seen. I've been consistent for two seasons now but Ablett, or a player like Scott Pendlebury's been consistent for probably five seasons. That's what every young player wants is really good performances but consistently for a long period of time.
How hard is Ryan Crowley to play on?
He's incredibly close checking, very strong and he's great aerobically. He's the best tagger I've played against. He never pinched me, but he's just very focused - he's got a very clear idea of what his role is within the team and he sticks to that.
He's incredibly close checking, very strong and he's great aerobically. He's the best tagger I've played against. He never pinched me, but he's just very focused - he's got a very clear idea of what his role is within the team and he sticks to that.
Are you for or against the goal review?
Can I say what I really think? I like it, it just needs to be done quicker. You see some of the reviews that are quite obvious; it needs to be done quicker for fans and players.
What state is the game in these days?
After every round it's disappointing a lot of the talk is about umpiring decisions, but the reality is there are a couple of poor decisions in every game and that's always been the case. It just gets blown out of proportion sometimes. Last round was the highest tally of supporters ever attending games – I think that speaks for itself.
Can I say what I really think? I like it, it just needs to be done quicker. You see some of the reviews that are quite obvious; it needs to be done quicker for fans and players.
What state is the game in these days?
After every round it's disappointing a lot of the talk is about umpiring decisions, but the reality is there are a couple of poor decisions in every game and that's always been the case. It just gets blown out of proportion sometimes. Last round was the highest tally of supporters ever attending games – I think that speaks for itself.
Can the Crows' dip in form be attributed to 'second year blues' under coach Brenton Sanderson?
Definitely not. There's no one more positive than 'Sando'. He's got great energy and enthusiasm with the group and when he speaks players listen.
Who's the most exciting young player on Adelaide's list?
Obviously Brad Crouch has had a great couple of games, but the one for me, who I love playing with and watching, is Sam Shaw. He's basically Adelaide's version of Majak Daw - it should be Majak Shaw. He's got an unbelievable rig and kicks the ball 60m. He can play back or forward and he's that running-type defender. If he can play consistently he'll do some pretty special things, he just needs his body to back him up.
What do you think of Adelaide as a home?
It's probably pretty similar to where I'm from in Victoria, Geelong. I really enjoy it. We've got a really good group of players, which is important, and the city itself is a relaxed place and it's got good fishing which is good for me.
Is there too much scrutiny, though? Some describe the City of Churches as a bit of a 'fishbowl'.
There's always plenty of scrutiny but that's going to be the case in most places. It's part and parcel of professional sport.
It's probably pretty similar to where I'm from in Victoria, Geelong. I really enjoy it. We've got a really good group of players, which is important, and the city itself is a relaxed place and it's got good fishing which is good for me.
Is there too much scrutiny, though? Some describe the City of Churches as a bit of a 'fishbowl'.
There's always plenty of scrutiny but that's going to be the case in most places. It's part and parcel of professional sport.
Do you see yourself as a one-club player?
I like the notion; I wouldn't have signed last season if I didn't believe in that. Obviously you want to be involved in sucessful teams but at the moment I'm signed until the end of 2015 and when that time comes I'll re-evaluate the position I'm in.
| DANGERFIELD BY NUMBERS | TOTAL | RANKED |
| Effective long kicks | 64 | Equal 16th |
| Disposal metres gained | 6919 | 5th |
| Midfield score launches | 24 | Equal 11th |
| Contested possessions | 204 | 3rd |
| Hard-ball gets | 94 | Equal 3rd |
| First possessions | 91 | Equal 11th |
| Clearances | 79 | Equal 9th |
| Centre clearances | 38 | 5th |
| Inside 50s | 66 | 10th |
