Brisbane's Darcy Wilmot is no stranger to camaraderie, especially with coach Chris Fagan.
Over the past few weeks, keen observers have noticed that Wilmot has performed a 'wet willie' in the ear of Fagan during post-match press conferences following wins.
The dashing defender revealed that the 2024 premiership coach isn't just the victim in these scenarios; he often employs the tactic himself during photo days.
"It's just me being me, annoying people," Wilmot said.
"'Fages' will do it on photo day. When I used to sit in the front row, he'd put his little fingers in my ear.
"It's the comfortability of the years you have with him. It just makes it a little easier.
"It's just my personality to muck around and get a reaction from him.
"I did one against Collingwood (round 21 victory) and he gave a bit of a reaction to that, and I thought, 'Here we go, I've got something here. Got him on the hook here, lads'."
Wilmot's rise to AFL stardom had fans calling for his inclusion in the All-Australian squad, recording 19.9 disposals, 5.9 marks, 3.7 score involvements and an average of 11.7 player rating points.
The 21-year-old has played 79 games since debuting in the 2022 elimination final against Richmond, and is remaining on "edge" as the club embarks on its premiership defence next Friday against Geelong, which will be his 11th final.
"I don't think anyone's ever comfortable, and I think it's a good way to be … you don't want to be comfortable in that environment, you want to be on the edge," he said.
"I do back my confidence and ability that when I'm on that stage, I back what I can do, and I trust in our team that we can all play our role and get the job done.
"It's just another game with more fans and more atmosphere. You just try and have fun with it."
Wilmot has become a key part of the Lions' defensive half, with Keidean Coleman, Jack Payne and Noah Answerth missing large chunks of football.
Brandon Starcevich and Ryan Lester have also missed throughout, which in turn gives the Victorian more responsibility.
As a result, Fagan believes he is underrated.
"I like to be underrated," Wilmot said.
"I like to go under the radar and don't have too much attention, so I can go and play good football each week. It doesn't bother me. You love the underdog movies, so it's a cool position to be in."
