Adelaide Crows star Patrick Dangerfield has told his club that he wishes to leave as a free agent.
Patrick Dangerfield has informed our Club http://t.co/y23L3XwLLq he wishes to exercise his Free Agency rights
The 25-year-old midfielder is a three-time All Australian and it is widely reported he will be leaving the Crows to join the Geelong Cats.
Dangerfield is a restricted free agent, meaning the Crows have the opportunity to match any rival club's contract offer, however no AFL club has ever done this since the free agency rules were introduced in 2012.
Having spent almost eight years in Adelaide, there are mixed reactions to the bombshell. Crows chief executive Andrew Fagan said that while Dangerfield's decision is disappointing the club understands it is for personal reasons.
"We will now consider our options, however, our members and supporters should rest assured that in doing so we will make decisions and take action that is in the best interests of our football club," he said.
Many are wishing Dangerfield well on the Adelaide Crows Facebook, although there are also calls for the club to match Geelong's offer and force him into the draft.
There are going to be plenty of red faces when Dangerfield says he is going to the 49ers too.
Can I kidnap anyone else in the family @dangerfield32 that may change your mind? All jokes aside, thanks for restoring faith back....
With the money that we get for Patrick Dangerfield, @Adelaide_FC should buy St Kilda.
Danger is a stranger to us now. #DangerStranger But thanks @dangerfield32 you've been great. You'll miss playing finals though!
Still, that hasn't stopped the memes from rolling out.
It's a sad time to be a Crows fan.
Adelaide supporters right now. #dangerfield #weflyasone