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EUFA EURO 2024 - Group Stage ⚽ EPL 24/25 starts Aug 17
I think about that scenario often
Had that dropped mark ended up going down the other end and costing a goal, and thus the grand final, surely he would have been run out of Western Australia
Thanks for reminding me of this scene:That GF is such a perfect summation. The easiest clip of them all to share is the dropped mark, but it's very hard to convey in a gif or a viral post just how thoroughly he tore that game a new arseh*le in the third quarter.
One of those situations where the dropped mark would never have remotely mattered had it not been for him dragging us into a winnable position in the first place.
Classic Jack really.
For this auspicious occasion here are his three best games of his career (IMO):
1. Round 9, 2018 v Richmond (Optus)
He was immense that game, particularly in the second half.
Ended up with 21 disposals, 15 marks (a PB), 11 contested possessions and 6 goals (should've been maybe one or two more).
Amazingly was pipped by Yeo for BOG in the eyes of the umpires. Probably because Yeo sacked Dusty twice on the day.
Darling was attributed a whopping 181 champion data points for this game.
2. Round 11, 2019 v Western Bulldogs (Optus)
Again, really powerful game. Had 15 disposals and kicked 6 goals as well as giving two fantastic goal assists to Kennedy.
Was often double teamed but on all game. Ended with 135 champion data points.
This was the game where Waterman kicked three goals in less than 2 minutes of game time in the third quarter.
3. Round 15, 2019 v Hawthorn (MCG)
Started the game hot with three goals in the first quarter. Finished with 17 disposals, 6 marks, 9 contested possessions and 5 goals.
Most impressively it rained heavily all game and yet was instrumental in our win.
Honourable mentions: Round 9, 2021 v Adelaide (that 2nd quarter, amirite?), Round 14, 2015 v Melbourne, Round 9, 2013 v GWS and Round 21, 2019 v Adelaide
Statistical highlights:
- Darling had 10 tackles in Round 11, 2014 v North (the most of his career). We were beaten comprehensively that game, but not due to Darling's efforts. The following week v Hawthorn he had 5 clearances (also the most of his career).
- Darling has had more than 20 disposals on 6 occasions (Round 4, 2011 v Hawthorn, in his fourth game, Round 9, 2011 v Western Bulldogs, Round 23, 2012 v Hawthorn, Round 20, 2013 v Essendon, Round 9, 2018 v Richmond and Round 19, 2019 v North Melbourne).
- excluding 2020 (which has a compromised season) Darling never dipped below 11 disposals on average per season (9 of his seasons he averaged between 11.1 disposals and 12.3 disposals, only in 2014 (14.3) and 2018 (13.1) were there deviations to these averages.
- similarly his average marks have had limited fluctuations (10 seasons he averaged marks between 4.5 and 5.6, the only outlier is 2018 were he averaged 6.1 marks).
- 2022 is statistically his worst season for goals since his rookie season. Outside of these two seasons his fluctuation has been between 1.7 goals per game to 2.5 goals per game).
- for a tall forward he tackles a lot. On average he lays 2.8 tackles a game. Compared to other tall forwards he averages more than Lynch (1.6 tackles), Walker (1.5 tackles), Cameron (1.5 tackles), Mihocek (1.9 tackles), Taberner (1.5 tackles), McDonald (1.9 tackles), Brown (1.1 tackles), M King (0.9 tackles), B King (0.6 tackles). In fact, I couldn't find a single tall forward who has averaged more tackles than Darling has over his career.
Suffice to say the above is testament to his consistent output on the field.
If this was Moneyball he would be a critical recruitment because, in footballing terms, he just continues to "get on base".
A bet is self inflicted but I agree with the sentimentI would love nothing more than Jack to rip this game apart.
Superstar WCE and cops way more crap than he deserves.
Yes has his faults but his good far outways any negatives.
Will be up against it today but fingers crossed he can kick a bag and contribute strongly.
Congrats Jack!!
I`m over that now and Jack`s won me back due to his hard work and effort he puts in every week once he regained his fitness ..Trade him out, it's amazing at the games this year how much he is hated for his covid stance
only changing his mind when he realised he would lose a lot of money
Incredible.Good to see him get to 250 games with us. I think he is past his best though. I would still offer him up for trade at seasons end. I'm confident that Waterman and Allen could hold up the forward line next season.
I believe if he plays every game the rest of the season, he will become the 2nd ever eagle to play 300 games.
(this was quick math)
Maric? Please. I know he's been a shocker the last couple seasons but come on.Allen, J Train, BBW, Maric.
Darling behind these 4 in the pecking order for a game.