Danger warns he will only improve
BROWNLOW Medal winner Patrick Dangerfield has no doubt he can take his game to even greater heights.
Dangerfield, 26, yesterday issued the warning to rivals just hours after his record Brownlow blitz.
The Geelong superstar romped to victory on Monday night with 35 votes to break the Brownlow record held by Dane Swan (34 votes).
“I’ve got no doubt I’ve got improvement in myself as I’m sure every other player does in the competition,” Dangerfield said. “I think as soon as . . . you get to a stage as a player you don’t think you can improve at some capacity then it’s probably time to give it away.”
Dangerfield won votes in a record 15 games and his incredible season included nine best afields. He is already $5 favourite with the TAB for next year’s medal.
But the prolific ball winner said team success was far more important to him than votes.
“I don’t think any player, I certainly don’t, aims to win votes each and every week. I aim to play my role for the team (and) help us improve as a team,” Dangerfield said.
“(The Brownlow’s) not a massive focus at the start of the year, it’s more about how we can get ourselves in the best position to challenge for a premiership.”
Dangerfield partied “long, hard and late” after his runaway victory, but was still feeling the disappointment of Geelong’s preliminary final loss to Sydney.
“It’s still very raw and disappointing,” Dangerfield said.
“To have had the season we’ve had . . . played our best footy against the best sides, but to have just fallen short, it doesn’t get any harder than that, that’s for sure.
“While I’m very humble and honoured to win the award, I’m certainly very envious, as I know every player will be who’s not playing in this week’s grand final.”
The Cats today hold their end of year “Wacky Wednesday” drinks and dress-up party. “I think that’s one of the things that Geelong do better than anyone, so I’m a little bit nervous,” Dangerfield said.