Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker remains confident speculation about Patrick Dangerfield’s playing future won’t detract from the AFL club’s performances on the field this year.

Dangerfield, a restricted free agent at season’s end, told Adelaide’s Radio FIVEaa on Wednesday that he didn’t have a clear answer to the question of where he’ll play from next year.

His contract status has been the subject of intense speculation, with Geelong seen as Adelaide’s major rival for his signature, but Walker said that the in-demand free agent’s future wasn’t an issue amongst his teammates.

“We don’t talk about other people’s contracts,” Walker said.

“He’s a required player, he’s contracted for the next 12 months and he’ll play with us (during that time) and when he makes his decision, he makes his decision.”

Walker wouldn’t be drawn on his personal view on the likelihood of Dangerfield staying with the club that selected him 10th overall at the 2007 draft.

Dangerfield, who grew up in Moggs Creek near Geelong, reaffirmed his love of the city of Adelaide and the Crows, but also stood by his decision to take his time considering his next career move.

“I haven’t made my mind up … the season starts next week and there’s a huge amount of water to go under that bridge,” Dangerfield said. “I feel really uncomfortable talking about it in a public forum. It’s not something that the AFC discusses – we don’t discuss ongoing contract talks.

“I love the club. What the club has done for me I’ll never be able to repay – if I played for 25 years I wouldn’t be able to.”

He said that he was totally committed to helping Adelaide return to the finals this season, with on-field success a key factor in his decision-making process.

Dangerfield and fellow free agent Rory Sloane were seen as the frontrunners to take over the captaincy of the club before new coach Phil Walsh made the surprise decision to appoint Walker.