After strengthening their midfield with the inclusion of Gary Ablett in the off-season, Geelong coach Chris Scott says the move will allow him to field Patrick Dangerfield in the forward line more often in 2018.
Throughout his career thus far, Dangerfield as established himself with one of the best overhead marks for his size and with his ability at ground level needing no introduction, it could prove to be scary tactic for opposition sides going forward.
The 2016 Brownlow medallist put in a particularly memorable performance in Round 17 against Hawthorn last season, kicking 5.6 with eight marks inside 50 after injurying his foot early in the contest. Despite the Cats going down (by three points), it highlighted Dangerfield's ability at that end of the ground.
Speaking to AFL.com.au, Scott said more time up forward for Dangerfield was a real possibility.
"Dangerfield would be a super forward for us full-time, but he does kick a lot of goals as a midfielder too," Scott said.
"I think (Ablett's arrival) will allow us to play Pat forward a bit more, in combination with more improvement from Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie, Sam Menegola and Mark Blicavs. We've worked really hard to get some depth in our midfield, which gives you a bit more confidence to play Pat, Joel (Selwood) or Gary forward.
"But we are trying to strike the balance between what's best for the team and what's best for those individuals. If we can get those guys playing at their best in their best positions, that's what's going to help the team the most.
"Those two things aren't mutually exclusive, but in a perfect world the ball is going forward often enough and our best players are there to receive it."
