Rave reviews continue for Dockers’ Darcy

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has lavished praise on Sean Darcy, describing the in-form ruckman as a key pillar of the side.

Darcy has rocketed into All-Australian contention on the back of a break-out season, with his improved fitness and growing contested marking abilities transforming him into a valuable weapon.

The 23-year-old has averaged 16.7 disposals, 29.9 hitouts, 4.6 clearances, and 1.9 contested marks per game this season, along with booting nine goals.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has lavished praise on Sean Darcy (pictured), describing the in-form ruckman as a key pillar of the side

There was talk earlier this season that the former Geelong Falcons junior might seek a trade to the Cats, but those rumours were put to bed when Darcy re-signed with Fremantle until the end of 2024.

Darcy will be back in action on Thursday night when Fremantle host Geelong at Optus Stadium.

‘He’s a key pillar of our side. He’s given our midfield a good look at ground level,’ Longmuir said of Darcy.

‘His improvement has come from the work he’s put in off the field.

‘He’s here at seven o’clock every morning, whether it’s doing extra fitness work or extra work with Joel Corey our midfield coach and Josh Carr.

‘He’s putting in the work and he’s reaping the benefit of that, and also the benefit of the work he’s put into his body to be able to play long minutes week after week. That’s something that’s held him back in the past.’

Fremantle are 8-8 and sitting in seventh spot. But they are 1-5 against top-eight sides this season, and desperate to take the scalp of the third-placed Cats (12-4).

‘We’ve had good moments against top-eight sides and the better sides, but we just haven’t been able to sustain it,’ Longmuir said.

‘That’s the challenge ahead of us, and it’s the next progression for our side is to be able to compete against the best for longer.’

Geelong beat Carlton by 26 points last week, but coach Chris Scott feels his side still have plenty of room to improve.

The former Fremantle assistant coach is expecting a big challenge against the improving Dockers.

‘They’re in good touch. I think they play a style of footy that’s sustainable,’ Scott said.

The Cats have been boosted by the return of skipper Joel Selwood and Luke Dahlhaus, but Gary Rohan (corked leg) and defender Lachie Henderson (personal reasons) were ruled out.