Danger worth the risk: Craig

ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig says the positives associated with playing untried recruit Patrick Dangerfield against Essendon at the Telstra Dome on Saturday far outweigh the negatives.

Dangerfield, who has remained in Victoria to finish his year 12 studies this season, did not make the trip to Adelaide to train with the Crows in their final session on Friday.

Instead, the 18-year-old spent the day at Oberon High School and will join his teammates for a meeting when they arrive in Melbourne late Friday afternoon.

Craig conceded Dangerfield's preparation was not ideal, but said the club's prized No. 10 draft pick was capable of making the jump straight from U18s into the AFL.

"We've said before that if the circumstances were right, we would select Patrick," Craig said on Friday.

"There are some negatives and not training is one of them, but the positives outweigh the negatives. In the end it's my decision and I believe the circumstances are right."

Craig said Saturday's fixture in Melbourne had allowed for "minimal disruption" to Dangerfield's schooling, but wouldn't guarantee the impressive teenager a spot in the side next week, despite Adelaide's game also being scheduled in Victoria.

Dangerfield, who is ranked equal-third in the TAC Cup goal kicking, has played a handful of SANFL games for West Adelaide during his school holidays this season.

Craig said it was Dangerfield's ability to adapt to league football that had given the Crows coaching staff the faith to play him at AFL level.

"He's come into the SANFL competition cold, if you like, twice this year. I've seen him live and I liked the way he handled it. I'm a great believer that guys who can handle that speed at SANFL and perform reasonably well are not too far away from being able to play AFL footy," Craig said.

"We've watched him closely throughout the year and he's in better than good form; he's in exceptional form.
 
"So, everything we've seen so far would indicate the fact that he's in good form and is worthy of selection. I think Telstra Dome suits a lot of the qualities he possesses and, just with the injuries and the set ups we've got at the moment, he does give us a degree of flexibility as well.

"It's an unusual story, but I think it's a good story and I'm sure it will be exciting for our fans. We pick Patrick with confidence."

Dangerfield's shock selection has created a buzz among Crows fans, most of who are yet to see the gun midfielder play at any level.

Craig, who remained tight-lipped about which positions Dangerfield would play on Saturday, said he wouldn't waste his time trying to play down the hype surrounding the lightning quick teenager's debut.

"That expectation has always been there. It's been there since Ebert v Dangerfield [in the draft]. I can't control it, so I'm not going to waste my time," he said.

"In the end, Patrick will be no different to anyone of us. He'll be judged by his actions and we'll let that do the talking."