Never forget it’s about fun, say Danger, Scott
LISTEN to the speeches during Thursday night’s Carji Greeves Medal presentation and there is one common theme: having fun.
Coach Chris Scott mentioned it countless times and best and fairest winner Patrick Dangerfield also dropped it in his acceptance speech.
In a competition where there’s an expectation for clubs to snare top four finishes, grand finals and premierships, having fun is something that can quickly slip away.
Dangerfield believes it is crucial Geelong doesn’t lose that in its hunt for a premiership.
“It’s something, to be hon- est, the Geelong Football Club, has done for a decade or more. It’s certainly something we are always talking about.
“It’s often brought up as the stress of the game. Arguably it’s never been as stressful as what it is now with social media and the scrutiny players are under.
“It’s not a key pillar but something we really value is enjoying what you do and making it a real focus. If you have that as part of what you’re trying to achieve the success will come because you love what you’re doing.
“It’s an integral part of what we are. We stand for being uncompromising and a team-first mentality, but we have fun while doing it.”
The midfield star stormed to back-to-back Carji medals on Thursday night, with Mitch Duncan and Zach Tuohy rounding out the top three.
Tuohy’s finish capped a sensational season for the running defender, secured in last year’s trade period.
“It’s not only what Zach’s brought on field, but it’s just as much the off field antics he has brought,” Dangerfield said.
“He’s such a wonderful person. His footy this year has certainly spoken for itself.”
Geelong is set to be active again when trading begins on Monday.
It is hoping to secure a trade for wantaway star Gary Ablett from the Gold Coast, while Dangerfield met with Jake Stringer, who is keen to leave the Western Bulldogs.
“At this stage he’s a contracted Gold Coast player. It’s great he (Ablett) wants to come back to Geelong and I’m certainly confident we can get a deal done,” Dangerfield said.
“But nothing is certain in this industry, that’s for sure. The proof will be when it’s all signed, sealed, delivered and ticked off.”
The low-key meeting with Stringer in a Melbourne cafe was a chance to find out where the highly rated forward’s head was at in terms of a potential move, Dangerfield said.
“It wasn’t so much a sell. It was seeing where Jake’s at, speaking about what we as a club could potentially offer,” he said.
“He obviously has a decision to make with where he heads with his football.
“Whether he chooses us or not, I’m not sure.”