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Patrick Dangerfield believes the Cats have found a perfect balance between experience and youth
There is still plenty of experienced heads on the park for Geelong, but a subtle shift is seeing a number of emerging young guns taking their opportunity in the Hoops.
The Cats recorded an important win over Collingwood on Friday night to move back inside the top four, with 14 players aged 26 years or younger taking to the MCG and having a significant impact.
Five of the Cats top six disposal winners on Friday night were in the 26 or younger age bracket, including Lawson Humphries (23 disposals) in his third game and Sam De Koning (22 disposals) who continues to flourish in his new role in the ruck.
Patrick Dangerfield told SEN Crunch Time on Saturday that he and Chris Scott both sat back and marvelled on Friday night, looking at the exciting young guns who are driving the Cats to new heights in 2024.
“Chris and I were sitting and chatting about the roles for our midfielders and we were looking at the warm up area, I listed off a whole heap of players that were 21 years old, 22 years, 23, 25, 22 and so on,” Dangerfield told SEN.
“Everyone talks about us having an older list, which we do, but we feel like we have continually brought in younger players.
“We feel like we will always reward good form, if your form warrants it then you will play.
“That part has been really pleasing that we have got some of those young players coming through, then you mix that with age and experience, it is a good thing.”
Dangerfield was instrumental through the middle on Friday night, collecting 22 disposals and six clearances along with a team high 639 metres gained.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 12: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats celebrates with fans during the 2024 AFL Round 18 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
The Cats skipper also noted the importance of Lawson Humphries, who picked up 23 disposals and 13 marks in just his third game at the top level.
“I was asking our recruiters during the week, I still can’t grasp how he only played six or seven games at senior level in the WAFL last year,” Dangerfield said.
“As soon as he got into our program it was like man, nobody can pick what foot he is and he retains the ball every time he gets it.
“He bided his time through the VFL this year, but we always knew that when he eventually came into the side, good luck dislodging him.
“He thinks a step ahead, he understands the game really well and it is a pretty incredible story.
“Once again it is kudos to our recruiters, acknowledging and finding the talent.
“As a player you fall in love with Lawson even more because he is such a great person, so when you add those things together he is such a positive, vibrant personality and it is infectious.”