“Got to be realistic”: Bulldog great tempers Darcy expectations

Western Bulldogs unicorn Sam Darcy is on the trajectory to quickly become the AFL's best player, but former club great Brad Johnson is urging fans to be patient.

Darcy emerged as the future of football in 2024, kicking 38 goals in 21 games before taking the competition by storm last year.

Even an initially suspected serious knee injury didn't curtail the third-generation Bulldog in 2025, slotting 48 goals in 17 matches despite the hyperextension of his knee and extra attention from the opposition.

Darcy took more contested marks than any other player in the competition last year despite missing six games.

"He propelled last year," Johnson told Zero Hanger.

"We've got to give the guy another 12 months to continue to develop. I'm not downplaying where his performance will go at all, but I think we've got to be realistic that he's come off a lot of injuries."

An unimpeded pre-season to date has only added more hype in the football world.

"He had an unbelievable year. He looks strong. He looks fit," Johnson added.

"But there's so much in his game that will develop over the next three to five years that will really excite everyone, not just based on what he'll do in this year's competition."

The former Bulldogs captain was also buoyed by the emerging youth at the Whitten Oval, and is confident they can take the club forward.

Luke Beveridge's side missed out on September action last year despite winning an unprecedented 14 games and having a percentage of 137.

"They've got enough gun players," Johnson said.

"They're younger players developing underneath, are really making some strong strides. You just expect natural improvement.

"Sanders, Freijah, to name a couple. Croft is another one. They've got some highly talented players, that are young, that will continue to improve this year, and that's where the improvement across the board will come."

A main reason for the Bulldogs' incredible ladder percentage, which narrowly sat third in the competition behind top-two sides Geelong (141.5) and Adelaide (139.3), was the behind-the-scenes work of Johnson.

The man colloquially known as the "Smiling Assassin" has taken a strong hand in the club's goal kicking, which comes as no surprise given he slotted 558 majors during his 17-year career.

"It's honestly good fun to have a small part to play with what they do when they're having their shots for goal," Johnson said.

"I really enjoy spending time at the club, helping the players. I get a good fix to get a kick on the field every now and then.

"But credit to the players. They put the work in the last couple of years, so they're in a good spot to improve in that area."

The Bulldogs had their first hitout against Sydney, and will take on Hawthorn next week before an Opening Round clash, facing the reigning premiers, Brisbane, at the Gabba.