Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has moved to mood supporters’ expectations of younger tall Sam Darcy, saying his taking part in time might be rigorously managed in 2023.
Beveridge mentioned the 208cm teenager would play principally as a ahead in a crowded Bulldogs assault that includes Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and new recruit Rory Lobb.
Darcy broke into the senior facet for the ultimate 4 video games of 2022, spending most of his time in defence however pushing ahead for 2 targets in the course of the Bulldogs’ spherical 23 win over Hawthorn.
The 19-year-old would spend most his time ahead because of the further bodily calls for of holding down a key place in defence, Beveridge advised SEN Breakfast.
“Sam as a young man is still at that stage where playing a full four quarters of AFL footy … it’s within his reach, but you might’ve seen him cramp up in the third quarter (of the Bulldogs’ practice match against North Melbourne),” Beveridge mentioned.
“We’ve got to look after him, we’ve got to temper his ground time, and it’s difficult to do that when you’re playing as a key defender, whereas if you’re playing as a key forward you can regulate that game time a little bit easier.
“We don’t mind the look of those boys playing together as they did on the weekend.”
Beveridge made clear that he appreciated the thought of Darcy as a key defender in the long run, saying he might begin video games in defence the place the Bulldogs felt they may attain a bonus.
“I can remember when the Kings (Max and Ben) were drafted – straight away my mind turned to how and who we were going to play on those lads when we actually came up against the Saints and Gold Coast,” Beveridge mentioned.
“Combating a 205cm key forward who can sprint like those boys was going to be terribly hard … our boys are made up of different strengths and attributes, but Sam has got enormous courage as you’ve seen. His will to compete in the air is quite outstanding.”
He mentioned Darcy would even be thrown down the opposite finish of the bottom to assist him discover his rhythm throughout tough patches as a ahead.
“When he’s not going so well … which will happen at different times, let’s put him back for 10 minutes to get him going,” he mentioned.
“A young fella like Sam can go back and have a little bit more freedom of movement, read pressure, read the play.”
Beveridge praised free agent recruit Liam Jones’ “outstanding” sport in opposition to North Melbourne on Saturday, saying his efficiency, which included 9 intercept marks, gave the Bulldogs “peace of mind”.
“No one can get too carried away at this stage of the year, but Nick Larkey is a good player and North Melbourne are going to really trouble teams at different times.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
