Dingster
TheBrownDog
WC have Waterman and Allen with Williams emerging. Darling rightly is being squeezed out. Not because he's totally cooked which is a misconception in here (though heading there). He will help address our massive issue of connecting defense to better inside 50s by working up to wing. Also Waterman's year was massive in part because Darling understands spacing and Jake had space to lead. So I get the thinking of why we want him. We need to build around Larkey and he complements that structure.You have to ask yourself this question re Darling:
Why are WC so desperate to offload him, when they are in the same position as we are?
Last time I checked, they’re a struggling team with young key forwards……..why don’t their young forwards need help and guidance?
Also, anyone who suggests Darling is in the J Waite mould, has been sniffing glue for too long.
However despite all that I've said elsewhere I would have gone after Brown of GWS. Stuck behind Hogan, Cadman etc, he'd also be a good fit and is younger and more physical. We get to 2026/27 where our list will be mature enough to compete and then what? My criticism of recruiting Darling isn't the player himself, but that we have better profiles to chase from a list management pov.