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Sheezel defends Roos recruit Darling after Cornes criticism
Lachlan Geleit • April 2nd, 2025 8:29 pm
North Melbourne star Harry Sheezel has responded to Kane Cornes’ criticism of Kangaroos recruit Jack Darling.
Cornes took aim at Darling and North coach Alastair Clarkson following their 114-78 loss to Adelaide last Sunday, describing Darling’s use as a second ruck as a tactical disaster as the 32-year-old struggled in a role he’s not used to playing.
“They had no viable second ruck option, they had Jack Darling doing the second ruck work… it was a tactical disaster,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.
“Pick another tall, not Darling… I wouldn’t play Darling. You can’t play Darling.”
Standing at 191cm, it’s understandable why Darling hasn’t starred in the ruck, but Sheezel still thinks he’s competed incredibly well when deployed in the middle.
Combine that with his averages of 13.3 touches and 1.3 goals a game up forward, Sheezel hailed Darling for what he’s offered inside 50 so far and explained why he disagreed with Cornes’ take on the veteran.
“I do disagree with that, for sure,” Sheezel said in response to Cornes on SEN Afternoons.
“I actually really like Kane. I think he has a lot of great things to say and great opinions, and I respect a lot of what he says and does.
“But, with that one, I think Jack has had a massive effect on our group, both on-field and off-field.
“I think on-field to start, his first three weeks have been really good for us. He’s kicked goals in every game, he’s a really good presence for us and he doesn’t get out-marked ever.
“Even when he does go in the ruck, I feel like he's been such a good competitor in there. I feel like every time he's in there we have a really good chance of winning the stoppage.”
As well as his on-field exploits, Sheezel explained how Darling’s leadership and off-field presence have helped the club immensely, particularly up forward for the likes of Nick Larkey and Cameron Zurhaar.
“It’s just having his leadership presence on the field and off the field, he’s obviously had such a decorated career in terms of goals, games played and success,” Sheezel said.
“In the off-season, we definitely noticed the effect of him and the same as Caleb (Daniel) and Luke Parker as well.
“He’s great. He has so much knowledge and I think he helps us out with our key forwards as well. Nick Larkey loves him and Cam Zurhaar speaks highly of him as well.
“He’s also a great guy off the field, so we're very lucky to have him.”
Listen to Sheezel’s full chat with Dwayne Russell here.
