Jack Darling- Read all ContestedFooty articles on Darling here
Age: 18
Position: Midfielder/Forward
History: Jack Darling has made headlines for the last two years, for good and bad reasons. There was already hype around him last year as a possible number one pick in the 2010 AFL Draft but that talk cooled a bit after it was revealed he had been expelled for a ‘sex romp’ on a school camp.
Regardless Darling is going to be a player to watch and that experience may actually be a great part of his development; he has already learnt that the football media can be ruthless, even with the most minor of incidents.
Playing at his age level Darling is an imposing player who looks like he can do it all, take that match winning mark and kick the goal, bust through a pack and kick the goal, lead up the ground and be a part of the play that leads to a goal; are you noticing a trend? Darling creates and kicks goals for whatever team he plays for and his game is still getting better.
This year he has played against some bigger, older bodies and the experience has been good for him. Now the experts are talking about his fantastic work rate and defensive pressure – so important in today’s game – as much as they are his ability to dominate a game.
Gold Coast were strongly tipped to take him top 3 this year but they aren’t giving anything away, regardless Darling will most likely get drafted in the top 10 of the 2010 Draft.
Further Reading
U/18 Eye Catchers
Young Guns
25 To Watch
GC cool on Darling
Moulding an AFL Darling
Jack Darling ‘Sex Romp’
Tags: Jack Darling
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His lack of height (190cm) is a little worrying for a key forward – he was consistently beaten by Tape (189cm) and Cook (194cm) in aerial contests.
… also looks to have come in a bit top heavy this season which hasn’t helped his athleticism.
Is still highly likely to go first round, but may be a slider.
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