Western Bulldogs rising star Sam Darcy will be a tough test for his AFL opponents – and he will continue to develop.
The 19-year-old, who is the number two pick in the 2021 international draft, has grown 5.5cm since arriving at Whitten Oval last November.
This took the talented youngster to a height of 209.5cm, with Richmond project player Mate Colina (213cm) and Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox (211cm), the only two players from the senior AFL side taller than Darcy.
He is also blessed with enviable genes – his father Luke was a Bulldogs legend, as was his late grandfather David.
While yet to make his senior debut, good judges are adamant the teenager has what it takes to excel with a Sherrin.
Darcy has been patient, with a foot injury keeping him sidelined for the majority of 2022.
He returned to the field with Footscray in round eight of the VFL, and has been a standout.
Whether in midfield, centre-back, key defender, central striker and even deep-lying, his versatility has led some football fans to call for Luke Beveridge to bleed on the field AFL football stage.
His father, Luke, told The Age that a measured approach is key.
“It’s great to see him healthy and strong, doing what he loves,” he said.
“As you play week in and week out, you start to build confidence. He played in a great environment and seemed to love every moment. Playing sports for a living was a privilege and he loved it.
Speaking on AFL Nation earlier this year, Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains also believes the youngster has what it takes to become a senior player.
After losing the AFL grand final last season, many footy fans felt the Bulldogs would be a premiership force in 2022.
It hasn’t been the case, with the Bulldogs sitting in tenth spot with finals looming.
Beveridge’s scathing criticism of former Fox Footy journalist Tom Morris following a season opening defeat at the hands of the Demons in mid-March attracted unwanted headlines.
The premiership-winning coach accused Morris of ‘gutter journalism’ in one of the all-time rants after he correctly tweeted Lachie Hunter would be omitted from the Bulldogs’ team for the grand final replay.
Beveridge later apologised for his outburst, but it set the tone for the Bulldogs, who have struggled for consistency ever since.
This Saturday they host Fremantle at Marvel Stadium in round 21 action.
