Player Watch #28: Jack Darling - plays his 300th AFL game and 2nd for North v Melbourne in round 2. Congrats Jack!

[Scottroo]

The whole family unit seems stoked to be at North.

 

[Liam Boy]

We didn't crack 100 once last year and so far this year we're averaging 111. The Darling Difference.

 

[Shermanator]

I apologise, I thought it was a poor decision to go out and get Jack.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I’m 100% with you Harro, I watched him live every second week for the past 2 years and he was flat out cooked.

He’s been terrific and looks the change of scenery has given him a complete form reversal.

Eating humble pie at the moment.

 

[Disco Dew]

Zurhaar has had 10 shots on goal in 2 weeks..no coincidence that he's gotten this freedom with darling there.

Jd could go down as the best pick up of the 3. Brilliant so far

The most functional our forward line has looked in years.

 

[Loose_Cannon]

We have been crying out for a second foward to halve a contest. What I liked the most is the entries that would normally just rubberband back out were dropped at the feet of the small and medium forwards, and it was almost always Darling that was the reason. Really adds something that's been missing and CZ and PC are going to have massive seasons if this guy stays on the park.

 

[Devington]

As good as the win was, I hope during the review he focuses on the other forwards needing to create options. Wasn't a happy chappy at one point on the wing after a mark and looking to go forward.

 

[Billy Not Really]

Gonna make teakles return difficult and a ccj return outright impossible.

Keep CCJ as far away from the best 22 as possible imo. We don’t need a massive downgrade just because he’s younger.

 

[BlueandWhiteinmyBlood]

Darling does what he does today and last week for the next 18 months, 2 years - then Finbar comes in and takes the mantle from our new and very loved king.

 

[Heaps of fun]

I apologise, I thought it was a poor decision to go out and get Jack.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

+1

Early days but the effect he’s having on the forward structure is obvious.

 

[The Filth Wizard]

The whole family unit seems stoked to be at North.

There was some decent rumours going around at the time that we had approached West Coast to include Darling in a potential trade for the Reid pick which would indicate we've been in communication with them for a while, no doubt we thought we could extend Jack's career and they liked the idea. That it's going well must be an awesome relief for them.

 

[shinboner magic]

His goal in the last quarter wasn't easy but you knew it was sailing through. Credit to him for his fitness and his strength, he's playing like it's a real second chance to impact a list and I hope he keeps that motivation. As the young guys lifted today so did Darling, was pretty nice to watch.

He might actually make it to 350.

I was one that thought he was cooked af but he’s looking good and even in the ruck

 

[scottywiper]

Thank you Darling. Lol
WAs not a fan of his recruitment, but his first two games have been very solid.

 

[ChopChopDigDig]

You get the feeling that Darling genuinely is happy to be at nmfc

 

[Lomas]

You get the feeling that Darling genuinely is happy to be at nmfc

He’s got a bit of the Waito club man vibe about him now.

 

[tazaa]

Great game in his 300th and he's contributing immensely.
Genuinely thought he was cooked but its funny what a new lease of life does for an older head.

Is a genuine cult figure now.

 

[Yianni]

Waite 2.0

Come at me.

I thought this as they were chairing him off.

 

[speedy]

Got this wrong, thought he was cooked.

Massive work rate and seems like he will kick his 1 or 2 a game. A pity he’s not 3 years younger and have a more substantial 4-5 year career with us.

 

[Themanbun]

Man's averaging 3 tackles a game

 

[Flawed Genius]

How long has it been since we have had a reliable hit up target for the long down the line kick. Good god in heaven if only for that is he a sight for sore eyes

 

[King Hansen]

I'm happy to go on record and say this is a terrible idea that we will be regretting in 12 months time

How's this take going?

 

[Ligma]

I WAS WRONG

 

[King Hansen]

Can everyone wrong please acknowledge it now?

 

[Conundrum]

I didn't post anything at the time, but I'll happily eat humble pie too as I was definitely thinking the club was wasting a list spot on a washed Jack Darling. He really seems to have been reinvigorated, looks so different from the player of the last couple years at WC

 

[Better Loosen Up]

How's this take going?

He's been very good in his first two games and has been better than I thought he would be. Looks like maybe going to another club has rejuvenated him a bit so good for him.

 

[TruRoo]

What are we going to do when this beautiful man retires?