Chris Scott has never made any secret of his belief that recruiting Patrick Dangerfield in 2016 transformed the Cats.
On the field, he helped restore a superb team into being a great team once again, leading a new generation into a new way.
Joel Selwood, Chris Scott and Patrick Dangerfield after winning the 2022 premiership.Credit: Getty Images
Off the field, he set a tone that allowed the people within the club to be themselves. Surfing could be part of a player’s routine, or fishing, or herding cows. They could shrug after a loss, and laugh heading into a match.
A competitive beast, Dangerfield recognises that winning all the time is impossible, while still chasing a premiership as hard as the most steely eyed AFL players.
It opened the eyes of the skipper Joel Selwood – the then-Crow’s arrival helping him loosen up. The captain’s generosity was complemented by Dangerfield’s sense of fun and perspective.
