MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Sam Darcy of the Chargers kicks during the NAB League Boys match between the Eastern Ranges and the Oakleigh Chargers at Preston City Oval on April 10, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Grimes/AFL Photos)
Bulldogs fans will be licking their lips for the second straight draft year, with another top talent set to walk to Whitten Oval as a priority selection.
An imminent father-son recruit, Sam Darcy is seen as the best key-forward among his class and one of the few standout talls, rocketing into top-five contention following a strong campaign under limited exposure in 2021.
Darcy made just the three appearances for the Chargers, but was a key feature with Vic Metro and has emerged as a proven threat in front of goal with his ability overhead and posied goalkicking routine.
Also capable of moving into defence and can pinch-hit in the ruck, Darcy is sure to be utilised across all lines of the ground as the Dogs look to balance an attack with Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Josh Bruce and Tim English.
A bid for Draft is sure to come in the opening three selections of the National Draft, likely costing the Bulldogs roughly 2000 draft points and a majority of their selections, however the handover will be worth the eventual return.
Team: Oakleigh Chargers
Position: Forward
Height: 197cm
Weight: 73kg
Goalkicking
Marking
Vertical
Strength
Raw
1-3
Western Bulldogs (matched bid)
Ben King
Josh J. Kennedy
Jeremy Cameron
"Tall forward who can also play down back or in the ruck using his athletic attributes and skill set to great effect. A one touch mark overhead he also reads the ball very well in flight and launches himself to take contested marks drawing comparisons to Max and Ben King a couple of years back." - Kevin Sheehan
"Although still lightly framed, it is Darcy's ability to move around the ground and impact the play that has recruiters most bullish about his draft credentials." - Callum Twomey