Despite Geelong's success over the past decade there is one 26-year-old Cats fan who has never been able to celebrate a Geelong premiership and his name is Patrick Dangerfield.
"Unfortunately when I was a Cats supporter there was a fair bit of heartbreak, it wasn't until 2007 when I was drafted to Adelaide that they decided to never lose again really, (laughs) so I didn't time it super well." Dangerfield said.
Patty may have missed out on Geelong's three flags in five years but he's back where he belongs and desperate to win a premiership in his beloved blue and white hoops.
"I've played in one preliminary final before and I hated that feeling of losing it and I don't want to feel that ever again." Dangerfield said.
When you interview Patty about his desire to win a premiership you can't help but be impressed.
As a Cats fan listening to his responses to my questions I couldn't wipe the smile off my face in admiration. His answers are exactly what you want to hear but they are also passionate, inspiring and most importantly from the heart.
It’s no surprise when Danger speaks, his teammates listen.
Coming into Friday night’s preliminary final against Sydney, Geelong holds a trump card.
Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood are unlike any other elite midfield combination in the AFL, they share a common bond - they both grew up barracking for the Cats and bleed blue and white.
They know of the anguish and disappointment of the late 80s and early 90s.
As kids they sat through the mediocrity of the early 2000s at Kardinia Park where you turned up to the footy just hoping Geelong wouldn’t get belted.
They too were teased by rival fans and called "handbaggers".
And they too idolised our greats.
"People like Buddha Hocking for me really stand out, he was a four time best and fairest winner, big game player and someone I admired immensely growing up. He didn't quite win a grand final but hopefully we can in a few weeks’ time." Dangerfield said.
Patty and Joel are born and bred Cats which will be a massive advantage when we need a match-winner in Friday night’s prelim against Sydney.
"It's a very humble group driven by the will to win which has made it easy to fit in." Dangerfield said.
To borrow the great Cleveland Cavaliers mantra, they are "ALL IN!"
"For us and for me it's business. I've got no doubt I can improve and we can improve collectively." Dangerfield said.
Bring on the Swans!
GO CATS!
SEAN SOWERBY
Channel 7 Sports Presenter/Reporter
@SeanSowerby7
