Delisted Sam Darley (#978)

[Cudi]

Sam Darley
Date of Birth: 15/2/1993
From: North Hobart (Tasmania)
Traded from GWS Giants for pick 78
Height: 183cm
Weight: 80kgs
Debut: 2012
Games: 13 Goals:1
Twitter: @Sdarley14

Background:

The developing Dogs added youngster Sam Darley, a promising utility from the GWS Giants in a swap for pick 78.

Darley, a Tasmanian, was taken by the Giants as a highly-rated 17 year old in 2010. In the Giants' two years in the AFL, the 20-year-old managed 13 games, including an eye catching 20-possession performance against Sydney Swans at the SCG in round 16.

Darley's main asset is his elite foot skills, particularly out of the back half, which he showcased with the Giants during his short stay.

As a teenager, he was used in the Tasmanian under-18s in a midfield role, displaying good outside run and attracting a lot of the football. Also won Tasmania's most valuable player award at the 2009 NAB AFL Under”16 Championships, averaging 28 disposals, 10 handball receives, six marks and 17 uncontested possessions per match ” all ranked number one at the carnival. In 2010 he played 11 matches at League level for North Hobart and was named in the best players six times. At the 2010 NAB AFL Under”18 Championships he played all five matches with his performances all elite. He averaged 25 disposals, 12 handball”receives, 18 uncontested possessions, four rebound and four inside 50s per match. He was subsequently awarded the Hunter Harrison Medal for the best player in division two and was also named in the 2010 NAB AFL U18 All Australian team.

Bulldogs list manager Jason McCartney said it was Darley's late season form that put him on the radar.

"Sam showed some real promise at AFL level late in the year in shutdown roles, but also provided some flexibility with his outside run and precise foot skills," he said.

"This is a great outcome for Sam and the club."

 

[Cudi]

Some more stats and footage of Darley:

Westernbulldogs.com.au Highlights:

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2013-10-25/sam-darley-highlights

Credit to BRG93 for these highlights:

 

[C4[2]Yo`DooR]

Sam has taken his 20m sprint time from 3.03 at GWS to 2.90 since he's been at the Bulldogs after spending time with personal trainer in the off-season while back home in Hobart.

 

[Cudi]

Sam unfortunately has suffered some abdominal pain and will be out for the next three weeks. Darley was showing some good form for Footscray.

 

[Cudi]

Sam has been showing solid form in the VFL since his injury setback averaging 17 touches in his 7 games. His elite kicking the highlight but at the moment his body and fitness is probably still slightly under developed for AFL level. His pre-season was physically a lot tougher than it was at GWS but it will hold him in good stead for the future. He has been improving week by week so games in the senior team towards the end of the season is not out of the question

 

[Zgope1]

Saw a lot of talent in this kid in the match the other week v Sandy. His disposal just looks great. Nice to see a silky player on the dogs list

 

[Cudi]

Made is debut last round and slotted into the backline nicely. Solid game and kicking was terrific. Should retain his spot in the side with that effort.

Post match interview:

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2014-06-29/white-king-washup-sam-darley-rd15

 

[richcogs]

What is with Sam Darley? I thought off the preseason he showed he was in for a big year. Then come NAB Cup he failed. I have him in a long term keeper league and was expecting much more.