Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield has officially signed on the dotted line for a 20th season, keeping retirement at bay.
Already among the most decorated players to ever lace them up, "Danger", all things being equal, will notch his 400th game in 2027.
Dangerfield was believed to be contemplating a natural end to what has been the most glittering of careers, but after seeing some success playing as a more permanent forward in his career's twilight, has decided to go around again.
Footy boss Andrew Mackie was glowing in his praise of Dangerfield, who has played 220 games in the hoops since his highly publicised defection from the Crows at the end of the 2015 season.
"It's exciting for us all to have Pat playing for the Cats in 2027. He continues to lead from the front and remains an important player and person within our football program," Mackie said.
"Pat drives high standards, cares deeply about the club and has a positive influence on everyone around him, so we're pleased to see him continue his career into 2027.”
The 36-year-old boasts a Brownlow Medal, eight All-Australian blazers, a Leigh Matthews Trophy, an AFLCA Champion Player of the Year nod, four best and fairests across his two clubs, and a premiership, won as part of the Cats' storybook 2022 triumph.
With the Cats in finals contention again this season, Dangerfield will reach the 400-game threshold after 19 or so appearances next season, should injury not weary the champion.
Only Michael Tuck, Brent Harvey, Scott Pendlebury, Dustin Fletcher, Shaun Burgoyne and Kevin Bartlett sit in that club as it's presently constructed.
