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Hawks coach begs Danger to retire after ‘one of the greatest games ever’
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell had a blunt message for Patrick Dangerfield after the footy world celebrated a preliminary final for the ages.
James Dampney
September 20, 2025 – 6:59AM
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Ageless Geelong skipper celebrates epic victory
Patrick Dangerfield turned back the clock in a sensational performance as the Cats stormed into another grand final.
Bailey Smith and Jonathan Brown led the plaudits for Patrick Dangerfield – and Sam Mitchell had a blunt message – after the veteran pulled out one of the greatest games of his long career on Friday night.
Dangerfield has achieved everything the sport has to offer, including a Brownlow Medal, eight All-Australian honours, best and fairest awards at two clubs and a premiership in 2022.
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But at the ripe age of 35, he has rarely been better or more influential than he was in the 17.13 (115) to 13.7 (85) win over the Hawks that carried Geelong into another grand final.
After a slow start from his side, trailing by 21 points late in the opening period, Dangerfield led the fightback.
He kicked Geelong’s only first-quarter goal late in the term and powered on from there to finish with 32 disposals, eight clearances, five marks, three goals, two goal assists and 560 metres gained in an extraordinary effort.
Hawthorn coach Mitchell said in his post-match press conference: “Sometimes they were just a bit too good.
“I’m certainly ready for Dangerfield to retire.”
Patrick Dangerfield lifted when his team needed it in an all-time display. Picture: Michael Klein
Brown, who won three flags with the Lions, was among a swag of pundits reserving high praise for the Cats skipper.
“Geelong were a bit off, they felt the pressure of Hawthorn and were making skill errors,” he said on Fox Footy.
“But they were fearsome when they got going. (Jeremy) Cameron was really quiet early, (Max) Holmes was quiet early and so was Dangerfield.
“Danger, that’s one of the great finals performances I’ve ever seen. We’ve seen a lot of them from Danger, but it’s starting to look a lot like 2022.
“He’s just timed his run beautifully.”
Mitch Lewis kicked two early goals for Hawthorn. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Cameron Mooney, who won two premierships during his time with the Cats, voiced similar thoughts after the game.
“The way Hawthorn started was absolutely fantastic,” Mooney said.
“But that second quarter to come back into it led by Patty, let’s be honest, he was unbelievable tonight.
“That was one of the greatest games I’ve seen a captain play for this football club.
“He led them into another grand final and somewhere they deserve to be.”
On a night of contributions from a range of Cats, Dangerfield and Bailey Smith were the obvious standouts.
Bailey Smith had another outstanding night for the Cats. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The first-year Cat matched the captain’s output with 36 touches, six clearances, six tackles, five marks, a goal and 678 metres gained.
But after the game, Smith only wanted to give thanks to his captain.
“He’s been the best for me, honestly,” he told Channel 7. “He’s a leader, he’s accomplished everything in the game and still takes time out of his day to look after me through some dark periods throughout the year and I’ll never forget it.
“I’m forever in debt to him and couldn’t think of anyone better to lead us to a granny, so hopefully we can take it home.”
Smith, who has been a polarising figure across a superb first season in Geelong on the pitch and a troubled one off it, showed his ability to put any off-field issues to one side and perform when it matters most.
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Bailey Smith pays tribute to Dangerfield
Bailey Smith has spoken about his inspirational captain.
The blond midfielder was caught in his latest storm after swearing at a female photographer at Cats training last week.
But Smith managed to leave all that behind and Dangerfield was gushing in his praise of his influential teammate.
“Proud of the big fella,” Dangerfield said. “He was as calm pre-game, like ready, menacing like he always is, but more focused than I’ve seen him.
“And that shouldn’t surprise, because if you look at the history of big finals and how he’s played, he’s always stepped up and tonight was extra special from him.”
Smith and Dangerfield led the Cats off after a brilliant night. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
But Dangerfield was the man of the moment, feted across the footy world after his all-time display.
Sports producer Brad Klibansky tweeted: “Geelong. A well deserved win. Stood up and performed when it mattered. Simply too good. Patrick Dangerfield – Incredible. What a player.”
Footy podcaster Matt Walsh wrote optimistically: “Dangerfield is 35, this f**kery won’t go on for much longer, thank god.”
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Journalist Lachlan McKirdy added: “I hope Patrick Dangerfield has the filthiest kebab ever after that game. He’s earned it.”
Dangerfield was asked after the game for his plans on Saturday and who he thinks will win the second prelim between the Pies and Lions.
“Feet are up, sauna at home,” he said. “Don’t know, but we’re ready.”
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