Yep, trolls left right and centre taking cheap shots at a player (providing he doesn’t leave) who is the future. A player who may be questioning his own position in the team. Hepp had 15 possies in the second half, Shiel and McKenna 13, Darc 12!
And in the last, with the game on the line, Darc collected 7, the most shared with 4 other Essendon players! Of the player… that says grit, determination and a desire to help drag his team over the line. His actions speak leadership and character in a big game, finals type atmosphere. He is the now and the future FFS.
His kicking is certainly a bit inconsistent but imo not as bad as being suggested. If Shiel hadn’t dropped the mark in the last at half forward we’d all be raving at how good that kick was. It was perfect.
But the butchered kick across half back last week naturally sticks in the mind far more.
On his game, I maintain that he was part of our recovery in Quarter 2 and absolutely had a positive impact in the second half. Keep sending this kid up, he’s a long long way from a write-off. Clearly is a better player in the middle than resting forward.
His quick hand releases are critical in our fast ball movement - and usually straightens us up and directs ball / runners at the goals. Came into the game in 2nd half, especially in last quarter. Perhaps Smith being off, gave him more opportunity in the middle to do his stuff. His kicking is a bit hit and miss, seems to have become a bit high and hopeful at times - perhaps on his wrong side, perhaps under instruction to kick high to cage when in no obvious options.
Anyone writing him off is a pudding.
And I think he was better than last week - just not as good as he was 3 & 4 weeks ago, or as good as he could/should be.
Hard to find too many positives from todays game, but I thought he had a very good game. Was comfortably our best in the middle imo, his handballing was as good as always and his kicking inside 50 was great