Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield said he is open to handing over the captaincy as the entire club returns for the official day one of pre-season.

Dangerfield took over as skipper from all-time great Joel Selwood at the end of 2022, assuming the roles and responsibilities of the Cats leader.

However, it was the opinion of the 2016 Brownlow medallist that it is rare for one player to last a long period of time in the role, flagging his great-mate Selwood as an outlier.

"Not sure," Dangerfield said about putting his hand up for the captaincy.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Cooper Stephens, Patrick Dangerfield and Mitch Knevitt of the Cats walk down the race after victory during the round eight AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Geelong Cats at Manuka Oval on May 07, 2022 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

"We've got a decent enough runway into next season to deal with that in January or February.

"I think, as always, for us, it's what's the best thing for next season.

"The coaches will get together and put forward their ideas on where that sits, but from a player's perspective, there isn't any rush.

"We've still got an experienced group, even with a lot of young players.

"Yeah, it's about the right job for anyone next year, and it's not for one person to own for a very long period of time unless you're Joel Selwood."

Tom Stewart has filled in the role for Dangerfield when he's been absent through injury, while Geelong coach Chris Scott could turn to a young star, just as he did Selwood in 2012.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Jack Henry and Tom Stewart of the Cats warm up before the round nine AFL match between Geelong Cats and Port Adelaide Power at GMHBA Stadium, on May 10, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

"As you get older, things change as well," Dangerfield continued.

"You may not be able to train as much or influence as you once could.

"I don't think there's anything wrong in captaining a side in your early 20s or your early 30s.

"It's just what suits the organisation, and it varies from club to club."

The former Crow also made note of highly talented recruits Bailey Smith and Jack Martin.

Smith made the cross from the Western Bulldogs in a blockbuster trade that went down to the wire, with Dangerfield expecting him to line up alongside him in the midfield.

"The expectations are very high because he came in as a young player and played really well really early," Dangerfield said.

Geelong Cat Bailey Smith in his new colours (Image: Geelong FC)

"People sometimes forget he's only 23โ€ฆ and if I look at my own self, and you reflect and you go, 'What were you like at the same age?', the hardest part was consistency."

As for Martin's journey, he's on the 'other' side of 30 and has battled injuries during his time at Gold Coast and Carlton.

But the Cats do have a knack for turning around disgruntled careers.

"Really excited when that was a potential to come down the highway," Dangerfield said of Martin.

"He's obviously had his injury history, but we're confident that we can help him get past those things."