AFL 2024: Darcy Wilson’s father on his son’s debut, and overseeing his development with Murray Bushrangers

Darcy Wilson was in a strange situation last year with his father running his side’s talent pathway. His father opens up on his son’s eye-catching debut and having to take a back seat.

Darcy Wilson celebrates his first AFL goal. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Wilson family was beaming with pride watching the promising St Kilda debut of their son Darcy on Saturday night.

Coming off a strong summer, the running machine tallied 11 disposals and kicked two important goals, including one at the death to put the Saints within a goal.

But his father Mick didn’t quite catch his landmark moment.

“The first goal I didn’t even realise it was him, up the other end of the ground but everyone was pretty excited about his first goal,” Wilson said with a laugh.

“He ran pretty hard I think … lucky to get on the end of a couple of goals so that was good.”

Mick is no stranger to watching his son play. As Murray Bushrangers’ talent manager, he saw Darcy’s exciting draft year up close and personal.

A legend of the Wangaratta Rovers Football Club in the past, Mick was always mindful of being too involved in his son’s development, keeping his distance as he allowed the Bushrangers’ other coaches to take the lead with his son.

Darcy Wilson celebrates one of his two goals. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Darcy Wilson, his family and father Mick (right) on draft night after he was taken by St Kilda. Picture: Supplied

The Wilson family in the stands pre-game. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve pretty much done that for the last four or five years and he’s had some pretty good coaches and hasn’t needed to have me around, that’s for sure,” Mick said.

“It’s a pretty rapid six months. Six months ago he was playing in front of 50 people and then a full house at Kardinia Park tonight is a very, very steep curve. But he’s worked really hard. And it’s something he’s been working towards for a long time.

“He’s got a pretty disciplined work ethic, but he’s also been surrounded by really good people. He’s had some really good coaches through his junior years and I know that he’s pretty determined to keep getting better.”

Mick said Darcy’s round one debut was a credit to coach Ross Lyon and this Saints teammates, who have made the Wangaratta product feel right at home.

“I think it is more the club than Darcy. The coaching group and the way Ross has set everything up has really supportive Darcy extremely well on and off field,” Mick said.

“His teammates have been sensational, from what he tells us he’s fallen in love with the people at the club and that’s super important.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Darcy Wilson’s father on his son’s debut, and overseeing his development with Murray Bushrangers