Jack Darling

The Rise of Jack Darling: From AFL Rookie to Goalkicking Phenom

Humble Beginnings

Jack Darling's journey to AFL stardom began in the quaint town of Wagin, Western Australia.

As a teenager, he displayed exceptional talent in junior football, earning a place in the Perth Football Club's underage program.

Despite his promise, Darling was overlooked in the 2010 AFL Draft. Undeterred, he returned to the WAFL, where he honed his craft and led East Perth to a premiership in 2012.

Breakthrough at West Coast

Darling's perseverance paid off when he was selected by the West Coast Eagles with Pick 26 in the 2013 Rookie Draft.

He made his AFL debut in 2014 and quickly became a reliable target for the Eagles' forward line.

In 2015, Darling emerged as a star, leading the Eagles' goalkicking charts and finishing seventh in the Coleman Medal.

Dominant Forward

Since then, Darling has established himself as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the AFL.

In 2019, he surpassed 400 career goals, becoming just the fifth Eagle to reach the milestone.

Darling's strengths lie in his aerial prowess, strong marking, and accurate kicking.

Leadership and Legacy

Beyond his on-field exploits, Darling has also become a respected leader at West Coast.

He was appointed vice-captain in 2019 and has been a key figure in the club's resurgence in recent seasons.

Jack Darling's journey from AFL rookie to goalkicking phenom is an inspiring tale of determination, resilience, and exceptional talent.