Caretaker Crows coach coy on AFL future

Adelaide’s caretaker coach Scott Camporeale says he’s yet to consider pitching for the fulltime coaching job at the AFL club.

And Camporeale, who will lead the Crows until the end of the season after the death of predecessor Phil Walsh, is also refusing to buy into speculation about the future of star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield.

Dangerfield falls off-contract at season’s end and has been linked with Geelong but says he’s yet to decide his future.

“I won’t comment … on Patty’s contract. What will happen, will happen,” Camporeale told reporters on Thursday.

But the interim coach praised Dangerfield, the biggest free agency target since Sydney lured Lance Franklin from Hawthorn, for producing on-field excellence despite the uncertainty.

“He has been outstanding. He has been great all year,” Camporeale said.

“I won’t give a running commentary on his contract. But from a coach and from a leadership point of view, and the way he is playing, you couldn’t have asked any more than what he’s doing.”

The Crows are moving to find a fulltime replacement for Walsh, who was allegedly murdered by his son on July 3.

Camporeale said he was enjoying the head coaching role, but asked if he had thought about taking on the job permanently, replied: “No, not really.

“We’re here for the now, really,” he said.

“There is a lot of water (to go) under the bridge so I’m just worried about making sure I can get this team to get hopefully where we need to get to by the end of the year.

“At the moment, we’ll just worry about now.”

The Crows host Gold Coast on Saturday with onballer Rory Sloane likely to wear a helmet in his return from a three-game absence because of a fractured cheekbone – the second time he has suffered that injury this season.

Camporeale also cleared Daniel Talia to play, despite the key backman being concussed and substituted during last Sunday’s win against Port Adelaide.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!