Geelong Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield has found himself at the centre of a brewing AFL controversy after a savage sledge aimed at Carlton supporters was caught on camera. The incident, which is quickly going viral, adds a fresh layer of spice to the rivalry between the two clubs.
The Incident That Sparked the Firestorm
The exchange occurred as Dangerfield was leaving the MCG following Geelong's victory. In a video circulated online, a group of Carlton fans can be heard engaging with the star player. Dangerfield's response was both swift and cutting.
"See you in 2025," Dangerfield retorted, a pointed reference to the Carlton Football Club's long wait for a premiership. Their last flag was won in 1995, making the '2025' jab a brutally accurate reminder of the club's drought.
More Than Just Banter?
While player-fan banter is commonplace in the passionate world of the AFL, the specific nature of Dangerfield's taunt has struck a particular nerve. It wasn't a generic insult but a targeted comment that zeroed in on Carlton's most sensitive pressure point: the enduring premiership hunger of their long-suffering fan base.
The reaction on social media has been predictably divided. Geelong supporters have largely applauded the captain's cheeky defence of his team, viewing it as classic, hard-nosed footy banter. Meanwhile, Carlton fans have labelled the comment as "classless" and "unnecessary," arguing that a player of Dangerfield's stature should show more respect.
A Rivalry Re-ignited
This incident is sure to fuel the flames for the next encounter between the Cats and the Blues. The comment has transformed from a simple off-the-cuff remark into a potential motivational tool for the Carlton playing group and their supporters.
Whether this sledge becomes a forgotten moment in a long season or a defining point in the 2024 rivalry remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the next time these two teams meet, the atmosphere will be electric, with Carlton fans undoubtedly ready to remind Dangerfield of his own words.
