2025 Draft Watch

[Uninformed]

This is the write up on Will Darcy on Code Sports

The Western Bulldogs have another Darcy coming, and there is plenty of intrigue around Will, who received a national combine invite despite limited exposure in the elite talent pathways. The raw tall is not as highly touted as his older brother Sam was in his draft year, but recruiters can see his upside, given Sam was also a late developer after a massive growth spurt. Will has shot up about 15 centimetres since he was in the Oakleigh Chargers program as a 16-year-old. The son of Luke Darcy decided initially to focus on his schooling this year before re-joining the Chargers’ program in May, having caught the eye as a key defender at APS level. In his Coates Talent League debut he took a strong contested mark and kicked the sealing goal for a win against the Lions Academy. Darcy has also impressed behind the scenes with his dedication since returning to the Chargers, and his speed, tidy foot skills and clean hands below his knees draw similarities to his older brother. He had spent time playing as a key forward for Scotch College earlier in the year before shifting back.

2025 Coates League 41 ranking points, 6.2 disposals, 1.2 marks, 3.8 intercept possessions, 0.8 spoils, 1.4 tackles, 0.2 goals (5 games)

Would have to take him based on that and with the 'Darcy' potential.

[GVGjr]

This is the write up on Will Darcy on Code Sports

The Western Bulldogs have another Darcy coming, and there is plenty of intrigue around Will, who received a national combine invite despite limited exposure in the elite talent pathways. The raw tall is not as highly touted as his older brother Sam was in his draft year, but recruiters can see his upside, given Sam was also a late developer after a massive growth spurt. Will has shot up about 15 centimetres since he was in the Oakleigh Chargers program as a 16-year-old. The son of Luke Darcy decided initially to focus on his schooling this year before re-joining the Chargers’ program in May, having caught the eye as a key defender at APS level. In his Coates Talent League debut he took a strong contested mark and kicked the sealing goal for a win against the Lions Academy. Darcy has also impressed behind the scenes with his dedication since returning to the Chargers, and his speed, tidy foot skills and clean hands below his knees draw similarities to his older brother. He had spent time playing as a key forward for Scotch College earlier in the year before shifting back.

2025 Coates League 41 ranking points, 6.2 disposals, 1.2 marks, 3.8 intercept possessions, 0.8 spoils, 1.4 tackles, 0.2 goals (5 games)

[Sedat]

I'm not saying it's a genuine consideration, but would we consider taking Will just to maintain the relationship with Luke and Sam?

Damn, we should have rookied Kyle Dunkley. Every thoroughbred needs a good stable pony.

[jazzadogs]

I'm not saying it's a genuine consideration, but would we consider taking Will just to maintain the relationship with Luke and Sam?

If true that other clubs are rating him 30-40, and we rate him as a rookie... That's a big gap. Will be interesting to see what we do.

[GVGjr]

Are we just hiding him at this stage? What I have seen of him, he is very slight compared to Sam at the same age and may need a few years to fill out anbd be able to play senior football.

Does that still happen?
Maybe at some footy leagues around Geelong and state leagues with some slightly older players but that has to be harder to do with School, Coates and Colts League football.

Even suggesting that we have asked him not to perform to his ability is unlikely given he got an invite to the National Combine.
A few teams are watching him with interest and aren't scared by making a longer term investment..

[Willow18]

Code sport have just dropped a top 100 lol

[Bornadog]

Yep - there's always a shit brother. Not saying that's the case, but the name alone shouldn't warrant inclusion.

Are we just hiding him at this stage? What I have seen of him, he is very slight compared to Sam at the same age and may need a few years to fill out anbd be able to play senior football.

[Grantysghost]

I really don't understand the fuss about Will Darcy. I saw him play a couple of times this year and was quite underwhelmed. Yes, I fully understand the romance and also his brother's trajectory, but he's never been the player Sam was at junior level, nor his size. Without the name Darcy, he wouldn't be on a Coates list, let alone invited to a Combine.

Having said that, our list management and development team have followed him as a father son for years, and if they see potential, they know more then me. But from what I've seen, a rookie at best.

Yep - there's always a shit brother. Not saying that's the case, but the name alone shouldn't warrant inclusion.

[Stevo]

I really don't understand the fuss about Will Darcy. I saw him play a couple of times this year and was quite underwhelmed. Yes, I fully understand the romance and also his brother's trajectory, but he's never been the player Sam was at junior level, nor his size. Without the name Darcy, he wouldn't be on a Coates list, let alone invited to a Combine.

Having said that, our list management and development team have followed him as a father son for years, and if they see potential, they know more then me. But from what I've seen, a rookie at best.

A mate has said the same. He's done nothing in games to warrant a top 30 pick.

[SquirrelGrip]

I really don't understand the fuss about Will Darcy. I saw him play a couple of times this year and was quite underwhelmed. Yes, I fully understand the romance and also his brother's trajectory, but he's never been the player Sam was at junior level, nor his size. Without the name Darcy, he wouldn't be on a Coates list, let alone invited to a Combine.

Having said that, our list management and development team have followed him as a father son for years, and if they see potential, they know more then me. But from what I've seen, a rookie at best.

[Bornadog]

You have to make 3 changes to the list prior to the National Draft but it's not that it has to be filled solely via the National Draft.
Rookie upgrades can count in the changes. ie JOD comes off the Cat B list
I think you can also delist and redraft which carries a higher risk but it's an option.

Thanks.

[GVGjr]

I know I have asked this before, but I have forgotten the answer. Aren't we compelled to draft 3 players?

You have to make 3 changes to the list prior to the National Draft but it's not that it has to be filled solely via the National Draft.
Rookie upgrades can count in the changes. ie JOD comes off the Cat B list
I think you can also delist and redraft which carries a higher risk but it's an option.

[Bornadog]

Worth considering. I'm fairly sure we will only draft 2 to 3 players and the more likely scenario is it's just one player early and then the father son Will Darcy

I know I have asked this before, but I have forgotten the answer. Aren't we compelled to draft 3 players?

[GVGjr]

Completely wild suggestion, but wonder if there’s a deal to do with North Melbourne. Move back to their back to back 2nd rounders and grab Barker (would be top 15 if not for his ACL), best winger in the draft and Thredgold, best KPD after Taylor/Dean. Both teammates at Sturt who won the U18’s in the SANFL

Worth considering. I'm fairly sure we will only draft 2 to 3 players and the more likely scenario is it's just one player early and then the father son Will Darcy

[The_Bont]

Completely wild suggestion, but wonder if there’s a deal to do with North Melbourne. Move back to their back to back 2nd rounders and grab Barker (would be top 15 if not for his ACL), best winger in the draft and Thredgold, best KPD after Taylor/Dean. Both teammates at Sturt who won the U18’s in the SANFL

I actually love this as an idea