Pat says Cats will return stronger

GEELONG superstar Patrick Dangerfield has declared the Cats will return “bigger, better and stronger” next year after being overpowered by an “incredible” Richmond outfit.

The Cats’ failure to land a “killer blow” on the Tigers during a dominant second quarter will linger in Dangerfield’s mind all summer.

“We’re bitterly disappointed, but we had a great run,” Dangerfield said. “We just couldn’t quite execute when it mattered most.

“While we’re incredibly disappointed, Richmond were fantastic. We’ve learnt a lot from it. We’re down, not out. We’ll regroup. The strength of ours this year has been our ability to regroup and stick together, ride the highs and the lows together. While it’s tough and our season and year is now over, we’ll come back bigger, better and stronger.”

Dangerfield spent most of the first three quarters up forward, raising eyebrows when he stayed parked in attack in the third quarter as the Tigers reeled in the lead.

He eventually moved into the midfield in the last quarter.

Asked about his best position, Dangerfield said: “It’s whatever helps us win”.

The forward dynamic next year will carry much intrigue as the Cats prepare to welcome GWS spearhead Jeremy Cameron to partner Coleman Medal winner Tom Hawkins.

Dangerfield described the grand final emotion as “the greatest day and the most devastating all in one”.

The Cats had the footy camped in their front half of the ground for 63 per cent of the second quarter, but failed to capitalise on their repeated inside- 50s.