Midfielder, Forward

#4

Darcy Wilson

height: 186cm

weight: 74kg

D.O.B: 18-08-2005

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships, Coates Talent League Boys

  • Snapshot
  • Analysis
  • Summary

SNAPSHOT: “Darcy Wilson is a smooth moving midfielder-forward with high level running capacity and all-round athleticism.”

Few players in this year’s AFL Draft crop cover the ground like Darcy Wilson, who has long been one to watch out of the Murray Bushrangers. He’s the son of Ovens & Murray legend Mick, who is also the Bushies’ current Talent Lead. Though, the 18-year-old has had little trouble making a name for himself.

Wilson compiled an impressive bottom-age season last year, playing 13 Coates Talent League games for averages of 16 disposals, five marks and one goal. He also represented Vic Country at Under 17 level and was picked for the annual Futures showcase on AFL Grand Final day.

Having strutted his stuff on the big stage, Wilson was a lock for Vic Country’s Under 18 talent hub and earned a spot in this year’s National Academy. His top-age campaign included a full measure of representative duties, along with another sparkling season for Murray.

As the shining light in a team which won just three games this year, Wilson took out his side’s best and fairest award and was duly named in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. He also starred at the recent National Draft Combine, registering the top running vertical jump and second-best 2km time.

 

STRENGTHS:

+ Athleticism
+ Class
+ Evasion
+ Running capacity
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested work
- Strength

Able to play on either side of midfield or as a high half-forward, the key aspect of Wilson's game is his running ability. He covers serious ground in each post, highlighted by his 2km time at the recent National Draft Combine, placing second with an effort of 5:52. What it may look like at the next level is a role on the wing where Wilson can accumulate as he does on the outside, leaning on his speed-endurance mix.

The 18-year-old's all-round athleticism is another of his strengths, also showcased at the combine. He sprung out of the box to notch the top running vertical jump (98cm), in addition to top 10 finishes in the standing vertical jump (76cm) and agility test (8.263 seconds). How that translates on-field is Wilson's deceptively good overhead marking when playing forward, and his eye-catching evasiveness around the ground.

Wilson's smooth movement makes him tough to lay a glove on. With the capacity to out-work opponents into open space or shake them off with a twist and turn in traffic, he's as classy as any other draft prospect this year. His slick steps and ability to kick off both feet make him a dangerous asset when his side is transitioning the ball in attacking phases.

With little trouble racking up possessions in each third of the field, Wilson is also a frequent goal kicker. He found a happy knack for booting clutch goals late in the Talent League season, or ones which would help inspire his side. Overall, he averaged 1.5 per game, was held goalless just twice, and put up six score involvements each match.

Given his light frame, which is conducive to hard outside running, Wilson's strength and contest work can be considered areas for improvement. He played on the inside for Murray but only really pinch-hit there for Vic Country - and that will likely be how he fits in at the next level.

Wilson is tenacious and a willing tackler, but looks more effective when afforded time and space to hurt the opposition with his incisive skills. At stoppages, he can sometimes rush or dump clearances, wheeling back and away from goal rather than absorbing contact or driving his legs forward. That craft can always be developed, but not without some time to get up to speed on the outside first.

DRAFT RANGE: 10-20

SUMMARY:

Clubs looking for classy ball users on the outside who cover enormous ground need look no further than Wilson. His high-end running capacity suits the modern day requirements of AFL wingmen perfectly, with the added bonus of being able to roll forward or pinch-hit on the inside. His all-round athletic profile and consistency at Coates Talent League level will appeal to clubs, likely enough to be snapped up in the first round.

Strengths
Athleticism
Class
Evasion
Running capacity
Scoreboard impact
Versatility
Improvements
Contested work
Strength

AFL U18 Championships

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2023Vic Country41236411243712071744410.35.816.02.80.03.01.071
Total-41236411243712071744410.35.816.02.80.03.01.071

Coates Talent League Boys

SeasonTeamKHBDMCPUPTHOCLRI50R50GLGMKHDMHOTGDC
2022Murray Bushrangers14567212650020003818121311.25.216.35.00.01.50.972
2023Murray Bushrangers178101279640028004334161116.29.225.45.80.02.51.5104
Total-3231684911290048008152282413.57.020.55.40.02.01.2176
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