Father-son prospect will push for early debut

WESTERN Bulldogs father-son prospect Sam Darcy says he will push for an early debut next season.

Darcy, the son of 226-game champion Luke Darcy, appears certain to join the Bulldogs with an early selection in the upcoming National Draft.

The COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a foot injury has interrupted the 18-year-old’s draft year, limiting his on-field minutes.

“They won’t have pressure on me to play early, but I will definitely have a go at trying to get some games in my first year,” Darcy told SEN Breakfast.

“But I think being pretty raw and through COVID only having 10 or so games in two years… I’ll definitely put my hand up and work hard towards trying to get a game.

“We’ll see what happens.”

Darcy was unable to participate in a pre-draft training session at Sandringham on Monday as he recovers from a stress fracture in his foot.

“I’m still on light duties. I’m coming back from a little stress fracture in my foot,” he said.

“The bone has recovered well so maybe another couple of weeks away and then back into the full swing of things.”

The 205-centermeter key position talent was asked whether he could see himself playing on a wing like Essendon tall Nik Cox did in his debut season.

“Yeah, potentially. That’d be an awesome role, playing as a tall wingman,” Darcy said.

“But like I said, I’ll put my hand up for any role to get a spot in the best 22.”

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN