Absolutely it affects the team. He knows it affects the team. Its a key reason as to why he re-signed in mid 2012:
Exact quotes from Patty D in this article -
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport...eld-to-sign-soon/story-e6frecoc-1226369060851.
"It's good to have it out of the way - we can now focus on team rather than individuals," said Dangerfield.
"I can now focus on just playing on footy."
"At the start of the year, I was leaning to (an end-of-season negotiation)."
"But the speculation, the hype that generates has become a negative on the group."
"To get it out of the way and allow the club to focus on winning games of footy - rather than fielding questions about players' contracts - is about thinking for the club."
He is astutely aware of the circus that is coming. He is aware of the impact on our club. Now that we have locked away Walker for another contract (at well below market value) and are soon to lock up Sloane there will be plenty of Cap space to give him a contract. There are really no excuses for him not to re-sign before the season begins.