IT HAS HAPPENED: Geelong Cats head coach Chris Scott has sadly announced that captain Patrick Dangerfield Will no longer be participating in the team activities due to several circumstances affecting the.. 

The AFL community has been left stunned and deeply concerned after Geelong Cats head coach Chris Scott sadly announced that club captain Patrick Dangerfield will no longer be participating in team activities, citing several significant circumstances affecting the veteran leader both on and off the field.

Speaking during an emotional media address earlier today, Scott described the decision as difficult but necessary, emphasizing that the wellbeing of the club’s captain remains the highest priority.

“This is not a football decision,” Scott said. “Patrick has given everything to this club for a very long time. Right now, there are circumstances that require his full attention, and our focus is making sure he has the time, space, and support he needs.”

While the club stopped short of detailing the specific reasons behind Dangerfield’s absence, officials confirmed the situation involves a combination of personal, physical, and leadership-related factors that have developed over recent weeks. The Cats were clear that the decision was made collaboratively between Dangerfield, coaching staff, and club executives.

Dangerfield, one of the most respected figures in the AFL era, has been synonymous with Geelong’s success for nearly a decade. A Brownlow Medalist, premiership captain, and six-time All-Australian, his absence represents a significant emotional and competitive moment for the club.

“Patrick’s influence goes far beyond match day,” Scott continued. “He sets standards, he drives culture, and he’s been a pillar of this football club. This is about supporting a person, not just a player.”

Inside the Geelong camp, players were informed earlier in the day, with leadership figures rallying around their captain. Senior teammates have expressed overwhelming support, describing Dangerfield as “selfless” and “team-first” in handling the situation.

The announcement has triggered an immediate response across the AFL world, with fans, former players, and commentators expressing sympathy and respect for both Dangerfield and the Cats’ handling of the matter. Social media quickly filled with messages of support, praising the club for putting humanity ahead of performance.

In the short term, Geelong is expected to adjust its leadership structure, with vice-captains and senior players stepping up to guide the group through the coming period. Scott insisted the playing group remains united and focused.

“We’re a strong club,” he said. “We’ve been through challenges before, and we’ll handle this one together.”

Importantly, the Cats confirmed that Dangerfield remains fully involved with the club in spirit and connection, even as he steps away from day-to-day football demands. There is currently no definitive timeline for his return to team activities, with the club stressing that the process will be guided entirely by what is best for him.

“For now, there are bigger things than football,” Scott said. “Patrick knows we’re behind him 100 percent.”

As Geelong prepares for the next phase of the season without its inspirational leader on the field, the message from the club is clear: Patrick Dangerfield’s legacy and value are unquestioned — and his health, family, and wellbeing come first.

The AFL world now waits with compassion and patience, united in support of one of the game’s greatest modern champions.