26 August 2024
Patrick Dangerfield: A Champion On and Off the Footy Field
Patrick Dangerfield’s AFL journey began in 2007 when he was drafted by the Adelaide Crows. Making his debut in 2008, Dangerfield quickly established himself as a force in the league with his remarkable speed, power, and versatility. Over several successful seasons with Adelaide, he earned a reputation as one of the game’s premier midfielders. However, it was his move to Geelong in 2016 that truly elevated his career. That year, he won the prestigious Brownlow Medal, an honor awarded to the AFL’s best and fairest player, showcasing his immense talent and impact on the field.
Dangerfield’s influence at Geelong has been transformative. Named captain of the club in 2020, he led with determination, skill, and a deep understanding of the game. Under his leadership, the Cats secured the 2022 AFL Premiership, a crowning achievement in his illustrious career. Reflecting on this journey, Dangerfield says, “Being part of the Geelong family has been an incredible experience. The support, the culture, and the commitment to excellence here are unmatched.”
Beyond his sporting achievements, Dangerfield is equally dedicated to his family. He and his wife, Mardi, are the proud parents of three children: George (7), Felicity (5), and Winnifred (1). For Dangerfield, family is the cornerstone of his life, providing a balance to the demands of professional sports. “Being a dad is undoubtedly my single greatest achievement,” he shares. “It’s incredibly enjoyable, satisfying, and tiring—all those things rolled into one. But the joy and fulfilment I get from my children make it all worth it.”
Dangerfield often emphasises the importance of maintaining this balance between his career and family life. He credits his parents as his primary role models, who taught him the values of competitiveness in sports and the significance of balancing life’s various aspects. “The role models who supported my ambitions were much closer to home—my mum and dad. They’ve always been my biggest influences,” he reflects.
As a father, Dangerfield cherishes the everyday moments with his children. Dinner time, where the family gathers to discuss their day, is a particular favorite. “We always talk about our day at dinner. We discuss what we learned, where we had fun, and all that sort of stuff. I love that time with them,” he says. Watching his kids play sports and witnessing their joy is another highlight, as it reminds him of the unfiltered happiness that children bring.
Dangerfield is also actively involved in his children’s activities, enjoying their Sunday morning Auskick sessions. “When I’m there, I’m the runner, and I really enjoy it. I hope the kids enjoy it too,” he remarks. He also loves taking his children fishing and spending time on their boat, creating cherished memories out on the water.
Mardi, his wife, has been a steadfast supporter throughout his career. The couple met in high school, and Mardi has been by his side since his debut game. “She was there at my first game, and she was there at my 334th last week,” Dangerfield notes. “She’s been an incredible support for me throughout this journey. She understands what it takes, the sacrifices that need to be made because, as much as we say family always comes first, there’s always a bit of a caveat with professional sport.”
Looking to the future, Dangerfield is excited about the next chapter of his life. He dreams of taking his family on a caravan adventure around Australia once his AFL career concludes, a year-long trip that will allow them to explore the country together. “Hopefully, it’s full of family adventures,” he says with a smile. “Our top priority after footy is to travel around Australia for 12 months. Family will always come first.”
Reflecting on his time in the AFL and his life off the field, Dangerfield is grateful for the experiences and the support he has received from his loved ones. “The great thing about kids, especially when you’re an AFL player and elite athlete, is that they don’t care whether you win or lose. They bring you back down to earth and remind you that, as important as you may think something is, it’s not that important in their world. That’s pretty special.”
As Patrick Dangerfield continues to lead both on and off the field, his story is a testament to the power of dedication, both to one’s craft and to one’s family. His future may hold new adventures, but his commitment to his family will always be at the heart of everything he does.