Nonsense speculation

Reports today of the appointment of Taylor Walker as Captain for the Crows include the rider that the return of Patrick Dangerfield to Victoria is now almost a sure bet.

Implicit in this nonsense that masquerades as ‘sports journalism’ is the notion that Dangerfield, as the Crows’ best player, should be Captain.

It’s fair to say there’d be some debate over who is the Crows’ best if both players are at their best. Dangerfield is an exquisitely talented midfield bulldozer and Walker an exquisitely talented marking and leading forward. Which is best? Who cares!

The bigger point that this speculation chooses to ignore is the inner sanctum’s assessment, behind closed doors, of which is the more appropriate leader on and off the field. The Captaincy isn’t a talent quest. Captaincy is about the best leader, not the best player.

Perhaps the best example of this in recent times was Nick Maxwell, Premiership Captain of Collingwood. Another was Tom Harley, Premiership Captain of Geelong.

The coaching staff in Adelaide have made an assessment. If Dangerfield packs up his little red wagon and rushes back to Victoria at the first opportunity, perhaps they’ve made the right call.