The Western Bulldogs have selected Sam Darcy with the second pick of the 2021 AFL Draft. (Photo: Western Bulldogs)
Taken at pick two in last night’s NAB AFL Draft, Sam Darcy is ready to continue the family legacy at the Western Bulldogs set by father Luke and late grandfather David.
The Oakleigh Chargers product is a versatile key-position player, being able to play as a key defender, key forward or even in the ruck.
He currently sits at 204cm but stated he is “still growing” as he prepares to head into his first AFL season.
His father Luke played 226 games for the dogs, whilst grandfather David played 122 games. Now, the third-generation Bulldog is ready to make his mark at the club.
“I got to meet a few of the boys back when training with the Dogs in January, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them all better next week,” Darcy told the media on Thursday.
“A lot of the boys sent me texts last night which is really nice.”
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Darcy heads into a Bulldogs team that is stacked with key forwards, with Josh Bruce, Aaron Naughton, Josh Schache and last year’s number one pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan already at Luke Beveridge’s disposal.
This could force Darcy to start off in the backline, a position where the Dogs have less depth. Zaine Cordy, Ryan Gardner and Alex Keath are currently the only key defender options.
“They [Western Bulldogs] have a strong list and it will be tough to break into,” Darcy said.
“I spent a lot of time in defence at Oakleigh this year, so that could be a position I play if there isn’t a spot up forward.”
Whilst Darcy was impressive in the NAB League in 2021, he did succumb to a stress fracture in his foot that he is currently recovering from.
“The foot’s coming along really well, I’ll be on a modified program to start and hopefully be running in the next few weeks. I’ve been doing a lot of work on the cross trainer and bike, as well as some swimming,” Darcy said.
“The plan is to be fully back into it at the start of the new year.”
As the draft was approaching Darcy was invited to have dinner with Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge a few nights prior.
“I had dinner with Bevo the other night, it was awesome to get to know him,” Darcy said of his new coach.
“He just let me know to soak all of it in, get to know all the boys and find your feet at the club.”
Darcy begins pre-season training with the Western Bulldogs next Monday.
Western Bulldogs full selections:
Sam Darcy (Pick 2, father/son), Arthur Jones (Pick 43), Luke Cleary (Pick 67)
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