Welcome Darcy Wilson + draft profile

[skeptic]

Sorry for the extra thread on the young man but thought I’d post this all here…

Zero Hangar

Wangaratta's Darcy Wilson is an elite aerobic AFL Draft prospect who uses his endurance and ball-winning abilities to stand out as one of this year's best outside midfielders.

The Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country representative did his stocks no harm throughout 2023, taking a leading role at the Talent League level as the premier ball magnet for the Bushrangers on his way to averaging 25.4 disposals, 5.8 marks and over a goal per game.

It's Wilson's attacking nature that sees him able to roam in the front third and have an impact on the scoreboard while also having the capacity to venture up the field and cover the ground across all three lines.

Wilson would kick goals in nine of his 11 matches for Murray this year, including three matches where he booted three majors from more than 20 possessions - one of which came in the Bushrangers' wild card encounter against the GWV Rebels.

Wilson would show off his running and attracting traits at the National Championships as well, booting multiple majors in two of his four appearances for Vic Country to complement the likes of Harley Reid and Zane Duursma in the middle as part of an aggressive midfield ensemble.

His draft combine results would only strengthen his case as a likely first-round selection and potential top-10 pickup for this month's draft, with Wilson showcasing his athleticism and running ability with the top score for the running vertical and high finishes in the standing vertical, agility and 2km time trial tests.

The 186cm midfielder could be in the sights of clubs with selections in the opening half of the first round, with Geelong (Pick 8), Essendon (Pick 9), Adelaide (Picks 10 and 14) and St Kilda (Pick 13) potentially considering his services.

His athleticism, ball-winning ability and attacking impact might draw comparisons to retired Geelong and ex-Hawthorn wingman Isaac Smith.

Position: Midfielder
Height: 186cm
Weight: 74kg
State: Victoria
Club: Wangaratta Rovers

Strengths

Endurance
Athleticism
Attacking Nous
Ball-Winning

Draft Range

Pick 10-16

Potential Landing Spots

Geelong (Pick 8)
Essendon (Pick 9)
Adelaide (Picks 10+14)
St Kilda (Pick 13)

AFL Comparison

Isaac Smith
Mason Wood

Expert comments

"An elusive and creative forward or wingman, Wilson covers the ground exceptionally well and has innate ability around goals." - Kevin Sheehan


Central

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.

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.

https://youtu.be/0Z3Tb3V18eQ

https://youtu.be/rUpQkBBRMdU?si=1L67gSETTqsJrbbP

[King Max]

[nostalgicsaint]

Our wing/half back flank options are starting to look good.

Sinclair, Milera, Wood, Hill, Wilson, Byrnes and Windhager.

[CQ SAINT]

Our wing/half back flank options are starting to look good.

Sinclair, Milera, Wood, Hill, Wilson, Byrnes and Windhager.

Henry probably deserves a mention.

[nostalgicsaint]

Our wing/half back flank options are starting to look good.

Sinclair, Milera, Wood, Hill, Wilson, Byrnes and Windhager.

Henry probably deserves a mention.

Hahahaha 100%

Knew I was forgetting someone

[Jacks Back]

Our wing/half back flank options are starting to look good.

Sinclair, Milera, Wood, Hill, Wilson, Byrnes and Windhager.

I thought this guy was a midfielder/forward. We don't any more half back flanker types.

[nostalgicsaint]

Our wing/half back flank options are starting to look good.

Sinclair, Milera, Wood, Hill, Wilson, Byrnes and Windhager.

I thought this guy was a midfielder/forward. We don't any more half back flanker types.

Wing/HF.

I'm not sure you can have too many elite runners with skills these days.

[shanegrambeau]

Why does Robert Harvey look exactly the same as he did in 1996? Doesn’t he age?
And congrats ..if he is like Isaac Smith or Mason Wood, bring it on.

[Waltzing St Kilda]

Why does Robert Harvey look exactly the same as he did in 1996? Doesn’t he age?
And congrats ..if he is like Isaac Smith or Mason Wood, bring it on.

Harvey won two Brownlows years before this kid was born yet looks like his older brother.

[spert]

Why does Robert Harvey look exactly the same as he did in 1996? Doesn’t he age?
And congrats ..if he is like Isaac Smith or Mason Wood, bring it on.

Harvey won two Brownlows years before this kid was born yet looks like his older brother.

Anti-greying hair treatments are great