Player Watch #27: Jack Darling

[Roosurgence]

That’s all we need from him

Larkey kicked goals, but Darling was probably the best forward on the ground. He did a power of work to contest and bring that ball to ground.

Last year without Darling, Lobb would have taken 10 intercept marks in the same game.

 

[Devington]

That’s all we need from him

If he can add some very obvious screaming at his fellow forwards to start leading, then it would be perfect.

 

[Nylex]

Played his role well tonight… hope he can give us 20 more games like that

 

[Only Forwards]

he played like a key forward.

There was an individual play where he went on a 100m lead which created space behind him and practically forced Larkey to lead into the space.

Larkey goaled.

Cohesive forward play and something to build on.

He’s gonna be like when they have the coaches on the ground with the clipboards in tackers.

 

[Quinz]

He's been a maligned player at times because of his occasional brain fades, but he's 300 games 500 goals for a reason because he's an incredibly hard worker.

Selfless player happy to play second fiddle for most of his career with no complaints. Gets thrown in the ruck, competes wherever he is. Good debut.

 

[Roosurgence]

He's been a maligned player at times because of his occasional brain fades, but he's 300 games 500 goals for a reason because he's an incredibly hard worker.

Selfless player happy to play second fiddle for most of his career with no complaints. Gets thrown in the ruck, competes wherever he is. Good debut.

I must admit from afar I haven’t been a big wrap for him, but live at the ground he puts in a power of work.

If we get that type of output regularly, he will be an awesome pick up.

 

[Supreme_Chancellor]

Took a great contested mark against Lobb, given his age I think he’ll prove to be a really good signing.

 

[amaz199]

Anyone got footage of that celebration goal when he turned to the North fans and got us all excited?

 

[Possession]

I love him.

 

[Quinz]

Reminds me of when Petrie came to the Eagles. We all thought he was cooked but the guy had so much heart and now is an Eagles fan favourite forever.

 

[Roosurgence]

Reminds me of when Petrie came to the Eagles. We all thought he was cooked but the guy had so much heart and now is an Eagles fan favourite forever.

Darling tonight gave me Petrie vibes. Big Drewie was always a workhorse that gave maximum effort.

 

[Only Forwards]

He's been a maligned player at times because of his occasional brain fades, but he's 300 games 500 goals for a reason because he's an incredibly hard worker.

Selfless player happy to play second fiddle for most of his career with no complaints. Gets thrown in the ruck, competes wherever he is. Good debut.

He competes and it will endear him to the supporter base.

Hopefully he can instill the want for the contest into some of our forwards who just want the ball plonked on their heads and struggle to take a contested mark amongst them.

 

[The Nostradamus]

The big 300 this week

 

[andana]

The big 300 this week

Milestone games haven't been that successful for us.
Time for a change

 

[RooDave]

I had a lot of mates give me massive grief over us trading for him saying hes completely washed up.

Whilst i think he has the turning circle of the queen mary he honestly couldnt have done more to impress me. His effort was first class, the goal when it mattered, the blocking for Larkey and the pinch hitting in the ruck when he was horribly outsized and he still managed to find a way.

A proper 10/10 debut and he if he consistency delivers that as a performance its probably one of the best trades north has ever made relative to what we gave up.

 

[Liam Boy]

 

[Chewy Chewman]

Will put my hand up and admit was not entirely over the moon when he was recruited.

However looking like a Jarred Waite mk2 type pick up.

 

[Disco Dew]

View attachment 2251946

he has risen!

 

[hundini]

I had a lot of mates give me massive grief over us trading for him saying hes completely washed up.

Whilst i think he has the turning circle of the queen mary he honestly couldnt have done more to impress me. His effort was first class, the goal when it mattered, the blocking for Larkey and the pinch hitting in the ruck when he was horribly outsized and he still managed to find a way.

A proper 10/10 debut and he if he consistency delivers that as a performance its probably one of the best trades north has ever made relative to what we gave up.

Super unselfish.
Zurhaar needs to take a hard look at Darling (and himself)

 

[The Filth Wizard]

I hope we're kind to him on the days when his body isn't helping him as much but I loved game one.

 

[andana]

The Greatest Team In The World would like him back right now.

 

[RightWingRoo]

I thought he was cooked and wasn't keen on picking him up. But credit to Jack he's been a very handy role player for us so far.
Souv, PC, Bull (despite his kicking) all looked dangerous and the forward line functioned much better with him there.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Who we thinking chairs him off after the game? #JD300

I’m thinking larkey and Parker

 

[amaz199]

We seem to do well with trading forwards lol.

Anyway, so Darling's game was pretty good. Checking the replay, lots of leading, contesting and remarkably stole the ball off a Dogs defender to get the delivery to Larkey before the 3QT siren. Not a bad field kick either. Honestly, that level of want and smarts from a key forward is invaluable. He's a pretty good set shot too.

It's early days, but Pick 67 is a bargain for this bloke.

 

[Horace]

Anyone got footage of that celebration goal when he turned to the North fans and got us all excited?

That was just great to see. Announced himself as a shinboner in the best possible way.