Adelaide Crows midfielder Patrick Dangerfield has told the club he is using the league’s free agency rules to seek a trade to a Victorian side.

Drafted from the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup, Dangerfield wants to return home and is expected to join Geelong.

Dangerfield’s departure is hardly surprising – it has been talk of the footy world right throughout 2015 – but the timing has caught some on the hop.

The 25-year-old was expected to wait until after Adelaide’s Best and Fairest count, and next week’s Brownlow Medal, before deciding on his future.

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Of Dangerfield’s intention, Adelaide chief executive Andrew Fagan said: “Whilst disappointing, we understand that Patrick’s decision has been made 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.”

Dangerfield has played 154 matches and kicked 163 goals for the Crows since moving to Adelaide at pick 10 in the 2007 draft.