Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Why Darcy is the “biggest difference-maker” in the game
Andrew Slevison • June 13th, 2025 10:48 am
Sam Darcy immediately rediscovered form upon his return for the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night.
After avoiding the dreaded ACL against St Kilda in Round 6, but missing six games with an impaction fracture and ligament damage, Darcy starred in the Bulldogs’ 72-point win over the Saints.
The 21-year-old kicked 3.2, had 19 disposals, took nine marks (including five inside 50 and four contested), nine score involvements and five inside 50s in a strong display.
His performance was lauded by David King who described him as perhaps the “biggest difference-maker” in the game.
“The only talking point really from the game is the impact of Darcy on this team and what it can be going forward,” King said on SEN’s Fireball.
“We talk about competing against the top four or five teams in the competition to win this thing - it might not be this year for the Dogs - but this guy is probably the biggest difference-maker in the game.
“What he allows (Aaron) Naughton to be, the reference point that he gives those crumbers, the challenge that he provides to the opposition.”
King likened Darcy’s presence to that of some of the game’s absolute great star forwards.
“There was so many times last night where three Saints defenders go up because they just knew that one man was in trouble,” he continued.
“(Anthony) Caminiti was against all odds to compete, so (Cal) Wilkie was trying to help, the ruckman (Rowan Marshall) was pushing back to help.
“Everyone is folding in on Darcy. It was almost like the (Wayne) Carey impact. You’ve got to get back to support. You’ve got to get in front of Tony Lockett, you’ve got to get in front of Gary Ablett.
“It just frees up so much in their forward line. Not that they need it, they’re a pretty solid offensive machine, but this just changes the game.”
Co-host Kane Cornes is a big Sam Darcy aficionado, so much so that he feels he is the best player in the AFL.
Cornes believes the father/son gun, who stands at 208cm, is borderline unstoppable as a marking key forward.
“Five marks inside forward 50 for Sam Darcy,” said Cornes.
“I don’t know how you stop it, I really don’t. Maybe Sam Taylor is the only player who can go with him one on one.
“One on one he is unbeatable.
“He is the best player in the game by that far at the moment it’s not funny.”
King added: “I think he can get there, I don’t think he’s there today.”
Darcy has now kicked 17 goals in seven games so far in 2025. He averages 3.29 marks inside 50 which is the best strike rate in the league.
