Why Darcy’s AFL start might be different

COULD Western Bulldogs father-son Sam Darcy start his career in defence?

The key position talent is “conditioned to an AFL lifestyle” and is capable of playing his first 30 games in defence, according to David King.

Darcy is a natural forward and has grown an extra two centimetres to 205 centimetres, making him one of the tallest players in the AFL.

The Bulldogs matched a bid from GWS to secure the 18-year-old with pick number two in last week’s National Draft, meaning he will follow in the footsteps of father Luke and grandfather David in donning the red, white and blue.

SEN Breakfast co-host Sam Edmund asked King, “Looking at the way they handled Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and where Sam Darcy’s at with his physical development – would they play him round one?”

The North Melbourne champion replied, “I heard Jamarra talk on the news last night, saying he’s spent most of the pre-season with ‘Bont’ [Marcus Bontempelli], travelling and living that lifestyle and how good it’s been for him and how much it’s made him realise that he mentally and physically wasn’t ready.

“Sam Darcy won’t be that. He’s conditioned to an AFL lifestyle, given his father and the head start that’s going to bring.

“I can see him playing centre half-back, not as a forward. I can see him learning at centre half-back for the first 20 to 30 games.”

Darcy averaged 16 disposals, 6.3 marks and six hit outs in three NAB League games for the Oakleigh Chargers this year.

He kicked six goals for Vic Metro in an under-19 trial game against Vic Country in June.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN