TonyK
CibbuanoDangerfield earnt his spot: Craig
August 15th 2008 07:41
ADELAIDE youngster Patrick Dangerfield's versatility and good form with the Geelong Falcons has earned him his debut with the Crows, according to coach Neil Craig.
Dangerfield opted to stay in Victoria to complete his secondary studies and wasn't expected to to get a call-up this season.
But Craig said the 18-year-old's form and flexibility meant he deserved a chance to play this year.
"He does give us a degree of flexibility as well because in the under 18s he's been playing back, he's been playing in the midfield and has been able to go forward and be a strong contributor up there as well," Craig said.
"I'm comfortable with him playing in all three areas of the ground … one of the reasons he was selected was because of that flexibility."
Craig admitted Dangerfield's debut would draw attention given Adelaide's decision to overlook South Australian youngster Brad Ebert, who is now with West Coast.
"I'm not even going to waste my time trying to control that … I don't want to even try and control the expectation that has always been there," he said.
"It's been there since Ebert/Dangerfield (draft choice)."
Dangerfield is highly rated by the Crows but hasn't been given any guarantees that he will be a permanent player in the side heading into finals.
"Probably each week it will be a discussion point whether we go with Patrick," he said.
"That general concept - 'Lets give them at least two' - I don't think it necessarily fits.”
Dangerfield opted to stay in Victoria to complete his secondary studies and wasn't expected to to get a call-up this season.
But Craig said the 18-year-old's form and flexibility meant he deserved a chance to play this year.
"He does give us a degree of flexibility as well because in the under 18s he's been playing back, he's been playing in the midfield and has been able to go forward and be a strong contributor up there as well," Craig said.
"I'm comfortable with him playing in all three areas of the ground … one of the reasons he was selected was because of that flexibility."
Craig admitted Dangerfield's debut would draw attention given Adelaide's decision to overlook South Australian youngster Brad Ebert, who is now with West Coast.
"I'm not even going to waste my time trying to control that … I don't want to even try and control the expectation that has always been there," he said.
"It's been there since Ebert/Dangerfield (draft choice)."
Dangerfield is highly rated by the Crows but hasn't been given any guarantees that he will be a permanent player in the side heading into finals.
"Probably each week it will be a discussion point whether we go with Patrick," he said.
"That general concept - 'Lets give them at least two' - I don't think it necessarily fits.”
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