Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Will Darcy knows he’s not a finished product yet and will need to put in the work to crack into a strong Footscray side as he awaits his selection to the club via either the National Draft or rookie draft.
Will is a master aerialist and dominates in marking contests with his long frame, making him a versatile option that can be swung forward from defensive 50 if needed, possessing the skill to take crucial intercept marks or to sit deep in the forward line and crash packs.
However, Darcy had limited exposure in the Coates Talent League this season, mainly due to a back injury which kept him to five games, though his similarities to older brother Sam Darcy were clear, despite being 12 centimetres shorter than the prized unicorn talent.
Speaking with Herald Sun’s Chris Cavanagh, Will opened up on his expectations heading into 2026.
“For me, I know it’s going to take some time to fully develop and get a game,” Will said.
“As I’ve seen the past couple of years (with Sam), there might be lots of adversities and setbacks and Sam got there in the end because he overcame those adversities to become the player he is.
“I know I’ve got to keep working at it to get where I want to be.”
However, that height gap could narrow, as Will has reportedly grown 15cm over the past 30 months, according to Sam Darcy himself.
“He’s shot up,” Sam said.
“I reckon he’s still growing. I don’t think he’ll catch me, or hopefully not. But he’s probably got a lot more growing and filling out to do, which is exciting.”
The 196cm key position player has quietly ascended the draft boards in recent months as his physical tools catch the eyes of AFL scouts, with some suggesting the Bulldogs may be required to bid on him as early as the second round.
Will spoke about his excitement to join the club his family is synonymous with.
“Watching the Bulldogs when I was young and barracking for them, it would be a dream come true (to be drafted there),” Will said.
“There’s a lot of history there so it would be pretty cool to play for the Bulldogs and continue that legacy.”
Dogs recruiting boss Michael Regan said on Gettable Draft Countdown that Will’s development through school footy and with the Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League had been impressive, and that the club is prepared to match a bid for his talents, should one occur during the National Draft.
“He started off the year outside the Oakleigh program, and a fair bit of that was just a family decision to make sure that he could focus on his schooling and really enjoy that year 12 year at Scotch College,” Regan said.
“He started the year off like a rocket at Scotch, especially down at Geelong College, I think he ripped that game apart.
“Will’s continued to develop and evolve, and even since his footy has finished, going through the interview process, just seeing the difference in Will, the chest puffs out a little bit more and he’s got a bit of a presence about him so we’re really excited about what he can do for the footy club.
“We are hearing that there could be a bid late which is something that we would be able to deal with on the night, and it’s fantastic reinforcement for Will that his year has caught the eye of other clubs as well as us.”
Every first-round selection in the 2025 AFL Draft will be announced on Wednesday, November 19.
The first night of the 2025 AFL Draft will be broadcast live from the Victory Room at Marvel Stadium from 7:00pm AEDT.
All the remaining round selections will be made on Thursday, November 20, from 7:00pm AEDT.
The Rookie Draft and the Pre-Season Draft will be completed on Friday from 3:20pm AEDT.
