Dangerfield will be a Cat: Connors

Patrick Dangerfield will get his wish to play for Geelong according to the star player’s manager, who urged Adelaide not to complicate his departure.

Dangerfield, 25, has expressed his desire to join the Cats as a restricted free agent, which would net the Crows pick 14 in compensation from the AFL.

Adelaide, however, have vowed to force a better deal out of Geelong for the sublimely talented midfielder via the trade period.

“I’m an advocate of free agency and in my view I think they should take the compensation pick,” player manager Paul Connors told the AFL website.

“Whether that will happen or not, I’m not sure.”

The compensation pick on offer would be a poor return for the Crows for losing a player of Dangerfield’s quality but Connors pointed to Lance Franklin’s move to Sydney two years ago to back up his position.

“Hawthorn got pick (19) for Buddy and have gone on to win two flags,” he said.

“Paddy Dangerfield has given eight years of wonderful service and I think we should respect that, respect that he’s coming home and it’s not for money.”

Connors is adamant that Dangerfield will get his wish to play for the Cats and won’t rule out making that happen via the draft.

Dangerfield is one of a host of players looking to switch to a new club in the looming trade and free agency periods.

Swans star Lewis Jetta and out-of-favour Brisbane Lion Jack Redden have both made it clear they want to join West Coast.

“You have to have more than one or two irons in the fire in the trade period, because you can’t always get exactly the players you’re after,” Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett said on Monday.

“(But) we’re interested in those two blokes for sure.”

New Essendon coach John Worsfold said that he will consult with his list management team before deciding whether to attempt to persuade Jake Carlisle and Jake Melksham, who have both requested trades, to remain with the club.

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