GEELONG small forward Gryan Miers is hoping Patrick Dangerfield's return to attack will be short-lived after the Brownlow medallist's "cranky" outing against North Melbourne.
Dangerfield played predominantly as a forward target in the Cats' 33-point win on Wednesday night, coming off a four-day break in the hope he's fresh for Monday's clash with St Kilda.
While Dangerfield moved into the midfield momentarily to claim a crucial centre clearance late in the game when the Roos bridged the margin to 15 points, he's likely to be a more permanent fixture there against the Saints.
"He was a bit cranky last night so I'm OK with him going back to the midfield because he's not giving me much in the forward line," Miers said - with tongue firmly in cheek - on Thursday.
"He was a good player still, [but] attitude-wise just a bit more cranky than usual.
"He just wanted the delivery a bit better probably … it's pretty hard for him to complain about when he's the one kicking over our heads a lot. He needs to pull his head in there."
Miers stepped up his output in the absence of small forwards Gary Ablett (personal leave) and Luke Dahlhaus (foot) and kicked his first two goals with his first two kicks of the game. And he finished with a career-high four goals.
Along with Mark Blicavs, the local product is only one of two Cats to have played every match since the start of 2019.
"The last few weeks I feel like I haven't been rewarded with the goals, disposals and stats-wise, but I feel like I've been playing consistent footy for a forward and just needed that opportunity around goals and that seemed to happen last night for me," Miers said.
With Lachie Fogarty and Brad Close having added to the forward half in recent weeks, Miers nominated Nathan Kreuger, Ben Jarvis and James Parsons as options in coming matches.
The uncapped Kreuger, who is in his second year at the Cats, is in consideration to tackle the Saints should spearhead Tom Hawkins require a rest.
Forward/ruck Esaca Ratugolea is also expected to return after he was managed alongside Gary Rohan, Jake Kolodjashnij and Brandan Parfitt for the win over the Roos.
