Tara Murray
Former Northern Knight and Yarrambat junior Darcy Wilmot has been named AFL Rising Star nominee for round 14.
The young Brisbane Lions defender was recognised following his performance in the club’s win against Sydney at The Gabba.
Wilmot, the club’s first pick in the 2021 national draft with selection number 16, was one of Brisbane’s best players with 19 disposals and four marks.
Coach Chris Fagan said he was impressed with the 19-year-old’s solid contribution in all 13 matches this season, playing both on the wing and at halfback.
“Darcy has had a really consistent year and his last few weeks have been terrific,” he said.
“He is a really good one-on-one competitor who reads the play really well and provides us with great rebound.
“The Motty we see off the field isn’t the same Motty we see on the field.
“He is a very charismatic individual who loves having fun around the club, but when he takes the field, he is very disciplined and plays his role for the team as he is a great team man.”
Wilmot’s AFL journey began with a fairytale debut performance in last year’s do-or-die elimination final against Richmond where he kicked a goal in front of a sold-out Gabba crowd.
The attacking defender has won plenty of admirers in his 16 matches since with the way he plays, none more glowing in their praise than the talented teenager’s coach.
“Darcy came into the side for his debut last year in the finals, so his first three games were finals (against Richmond, Melbourne and Geelong) which is an amazing baptism of fire,” Fagan said.
“He hasn’t been out of the team since his debut and that speaks volumes of what we think of him.
“He has earned his spot in the side and if he keeps going the way that he is going Darcy will be a 200-game player for this club.”
Wilmot currently averages 4.8 intercepts, 268 metres gained, and 3.2 marks per game this season.
He first started playing junior football with Yarrambat Junior Football Club in the Northern Football League, before being drafted to Brisbane from the Northern Knights in the (then) NAB League.
Wilmot is the second Brisbane Lions player to be nominated for the rising star this season, following teammate Will Ashcroft’s nomination in round two.
