Campus Convos: The media and professional athletes

Patrick Dangerfield is generally regarded as one of the top three players in the AFL. From his emergence as an A-grade midfielder and forward, to the circus surrounding his move to the Geelong Cats Football Club, the media can’t ever seem to get enough of the superstar Cats onballer.

Is this a good thing though? For someone who seems to have mastered the media, allowing them into his life and home so regularly, is there a line that’s occasionally crossed? Dangerfield recently used Instagram video to publicise his secret escape from the Cattery, in an attempt to avoid scrutiny by the media into his hamstring injury.

Dangerfield is someone who uses social media incredibly well. Both for his own pursuits, and those of his sponsors. Watch below to gain a unique insight from Dangerfield himself, as he explores the thinking and attitude behind the major role that traditional and social media plays in the lives of professional AFL athletes.