East Perth has announced the acquisition of former Brisbane Lions AFL-listed small forward Darcy Craven.
Craven returns to East Perth after he was a surprise selection of the 2024 Mid-Season Draft, with Brisbane using the last pick of the night to take the speedy attacker.
Across his time at the Lions, he featured 32 times at VFL level but was untried at the top level.
The 21-year-old played just three league games for East Perth last year after starting the season in the reserves and splitting his time between the reserves and WAFL Colts competition in 2023.
“Darcy returns to the club after 18 months with the back-to-back AFL premiers, Brisbane,” East Perth General Manager Warren Parker said.
“Although he didn't debut at AFL level, he's really developed on and off the field and will no doubt make a strong impact at East Perth and across the WAFL competition in 2026.
“In 2025 at VFL level he averaged 12 disposals, two inside 50s and one goal per game.
“His ability to win ground ball, evade opponents in traffic and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates will add real quality to our forward and midfield mix next season.
“Another proud Bridgetown product, Darcy's journey to East Perth and into the AFL system provides a great example of the development pathway in action.
“He continues to be an outstanding role model for players from the lower south west aspiring to follow in his footsteps and we cannot wait to see him in action in 2026.”
