Darcy ready to ruck in WAFL return against Eagles

Towering ruckman Sean Darcy will play just his second Sullivan Logistics WAFL game since 2019 in Peel Thunder’s away clash against West Coast at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday.

The 2021 Doig Medal winner will go up against Eagles leadership group member Matt Flynn is one of the most exciting battles of Round 8 this weekend, with the pair possessing nearly 200 games of AFL experience between them.

It will be massive boost to the Thunder, coming off a stirring victory over reigning premiers South Fremantle in Mandurah last week.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir hinted that the 27-year-old, who hasn’t played at any level since the Dockers’ Round 5 win against Collingwood, may get multiple games in the WAFL to build fitness following a calf injury.

“First of all, just get through the game. It’s important for his fitness (and) build to get through his 80 minutes,” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said earlier this week.

“Knock a bit of rust off his ruck craft. He’s been out for a while. The WAFL is an extension of a build for his fitness and his form.

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“I am sure everyone is interested in how many weeks we intend to leave him in the WAFL and this and that. But we haven’t really made those decisions. He’s got to build his fitness and build his form, and earn a spot in the team.”

Flynn is one of the form big men in the WAFL, averaging 38 hit-outs, 18 disposals and four marks for the improved West Coast side.

He won’t be the only AFL to line up for the Eagles this weekend with dual premiership player Brandon Starcevich confirmed to have another week in the twos after battling a calf issue.

Starcevich made his West Coast debut in the WAFL side’s tough loss to East Fremantle at The Good Grocer Park last weekend.

Mid-season draftee Oliver Francou, the son of Port Adelaide champion Josh, is expected to debut for the Eagles WAFL side, just five days after getting picked up in the draft.

Swan Districts will blood a debutant in teenage ball magnet Blake Kelly for Saturday’s inaugural Big Freeze clash against Perth at Steel Blue Oval.

Kelly has been in hot form in the reserves and also impressed for the WAFL Under-20s in a recent talent showcase game against the AAMI WA Football State 18s Boys.

Exciting recruit Jez Rigoni is another important inclusion for the Black Ducks.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SWAN DISTRICTS’ BIG FREEZE CLASH HERE

Subiaco regain captain Greg Clark from suspension for their home tussle with Claremont at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers, who suffered their first loss of the season against last season’s grand finalists East Perth at Revo Fitness Stadium last round, lose spearhead Jaiden Hunter to suspension.

Monday’s Fremantle Derby opponents also lose a key player each for their clash at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

South Fremantle midfielder Matthew Parker has been rubbed out for three weeks following a high bump on Peel Thunder’s Toby Jenkins.

East Fremantle gun Cam Eardley also won’t feature in the Derby after accepting a one-match ban for a gut punch on West Coast’s Tom Gross.

It’s the first of two Derbies on WA Day with West Perth hosting East Perth at HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup in the later game.

The full teams for the Sunday and Monday games will be announced on Friday and Saturday afternoons respectively.