AFL great and Rostrevor College old scholar Luke Darcy returns to motivate next generation of stars

Ex-Western Bulldogs star Luke Darcy has returned to his former college to inspire the next generation of footballers – and coaches. See what he had to say.

Former Western Bulldogs star Luke Darcy says some of his best memories are of playing college footy for Rostrevor with his mates.

Darcy, who lined up in 226 AFL games for the Bulldogs before hanging up the boots in 2007, began his career as a youngster at Rostrevor.

The now 45-year-old returned to the Woodforde-based college this week as part of his work at LeadLearn Consulting, which aims to improve coaching practices.

Darcy and ex-South Adelaide player Matthew Wadewitz led a workshop for the college’s various sporting coaches, including its First XVIII coach and three-time Magarey Medallist James Allan.

He then chatted with players from the college’s First XVIII footy side, which is coming off a huge opening round victory against Immanuel, about what it means to represent the school and what it takes to make it at the highest level.

Darcy, who also commentated AFL games for Channel 7, told The Messenger he was keen to return to his old school.

“I am really excited to get back to my old school,” Darcy said.

“Particularly in a space working with a business we started a few years ago called LeadLearn where we help teachers and sporting coaches collaborate to improve the outcomes for the students.

Rostrevor First XVIII vice-captain Tyson Walls (L), AFL great Luke Darcy and current captain Jayden Gale. Picture: Supplied by Laura Syme

“I benefited enormously myself from great coaches and I had a really positive experience at the school.

“It’s nice to come full circle and be going back there to hopefully keep that cycle going for the next generation.

“School footy was such a passionate, incredible space to play and I have got lifelong friends from those who I played school footy with at Rostrevor.

“It was a really proud school and still is and I loved it.”

The former ruckman and full-forward, who booted 183 goals across his 12-year AFL career, encouraged the current Rostrevor stars to enjoy their time playing school footy and work hard.

“It’s a fairly narrow percentage who are lucky enough to make it to the AFL but there is always a handful who are passionate and desperate to do it,” Darcy said.

Rostrevor First XVIII players (L-R) Charles Kemp and Tyson Walls with ex-AFL great Luke Darcy, Matt Wadewitz, Rostrevor skipper Jayden Gale and Beau Baldwin. Picture: Supplied by Laura Syme

“For that group, hopefully there’s some support there to make sure they give themselves the best opportunity to train and develop their skills.

“For the broader group, it’s about that positive experience about playing a team sport.

“It’s the best environment to learn, grow and create those lifelong friendships.”

Rostrevor has had seven footballers drafted to AFL clubs in the past three years.

The current top tier side also has a few young guns playing for Norwood’s junior SANFL sides including Jayden Gale who co-captains the Redlegs’ under-18 side, Alastair Lord (under-18 vice skipper), under-16 captain Jay Johns and vice-captain Connor Butcher.

Other First XVIII players Tyson Walls and Max Michalanney, son of Norwood great Jim Michalanney, are also AFL draft hopefuls this year.