It is hard to believe that Patrick Dangerfield is arguably getting better as the age-ometer continues to tick upwards.
But if his latest form is anything to go by, then 2025 could arguably be his best yet.
And that includes seasons where he collected one of his eight All-Australian blazers, or four best and fairests. Even his 2016 Brownlow medal.
No, we're not comparing them, but there is an air of confidence that the reinvented 'Danger-man' is arguably more damaging than ever before.
With a greater level of trust amongst the youth that is piercing through the competition at Kardinia Park, Geelong coach Chris Scott has deployed his captain inside forward 50 more often than not.
The inclusion of Bailey Smith and Mitch Knevitt to the side, combined with Max Holmes and Jack Bowes, can allow Dangerfield to be a needs-based player, and where Scott can maximise his damage.
The Moggs Creek product has always been known for his explosive game style, tackle-breaking aggression and penetrating kick.
Fears had gone into the Geelong camp over the past few seasons of Dangerfield potentially losing his trademarks as soft-tissue issues have limited him to a maximum of 18 games in a campaign over the past four years.
But the Cats have had those fears allayed, holding back their champ and ensuring his fitness is at an optimum when he takes the field, and usually, at the right time of year.
On Thursday night, the 35-year-old was the difference maker in the 19-point victory as the Cats turned around a five-goal deficit to claim a memorable victory on the road.
"Greatness has come to play against his former side tonight." ๐ฅ@kanecornes on Patrick Dangerfield ๐ #AFLCrowsCats pic.twitter.com/o9U5laLmGS
โ 7AFL (@7AFL) April 10, 2025
Dangerfield kicked four goals, including two in the final term, from 16 disposals, six score involvements, four tackles and an equal season-high 10 pressure acts.
This performance was only six days after a best-on-ground outing against Melbourne, where his three goals, 20 disposals, six marks and nine score involvements was rewarded with 10 coaches votes.
It is the move forward that has seen Dangerfield notch up 11 majors to date whilst also seeing an uptick in score involvements from the past few seasons.
In 2025, Dangerfield has attended 41.2 per cent of centre bounces, down from the usual 60-65 percent mark from the past four years. And you can guess where the rest of his time is spent.
It also means that Scott has the luxury of keeping the Cats' skipper out on the ground for longer. This year, Dangerfield is averaging 75 per cent game time, his biggest return since 2020.
Richmond champion and three-time premiership player Dustin Martin was subject to such change, when Damien Hardwick opted to put the 2017 Brownlow medallist closer to the big sticks. His move was inspired by the great Leigh Matthews, who, as a midfielder-forward, kicked 915 goals from 332 games.
Dangerfield has received all the individual accolades as a champion midfielder of the game, and nearly clinched a Norm Smith medal in the 2022 premiership triumph.
But like Martin and Matthews did, the jury is still out on whether he can take Geelong to the promised land as a forward.
And in 2025, the 'Danger-man' will get that chance.
