Darcy Wilmot reveals he almost didn’t recognise his new coach on draft call
A Collingwood fan growing up, Darcy Wilmot has no problem pulling on a Brisbane Lions jumper, despite the two teams’ grand final history.
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Such was the wave of support and love when Darcy Wilmot’s name was read out on Wednesday night he almost brushed new coach Chris Fagan.
Fagan’s call to congratulate the Lions’ newest talent was nearly lost in the now famous celebrations at the Wilmot household.
The Yarrambat and Northern Knights defender was mugged by his mates when Brisbane pounced with pick No.16 before a memorable TV interview.
Wilmot was overwhelmed by the number of calls and messages but quickly twigged it was Fagan on the phone.
“To be honest, I didn’t know who it was at the start,” he said.
“I had that many phone calls after phone calls, it was so overwhelming, the cheeks were sore from smiling so much.
“It was good to chat to him and I can’t wait to meet him.
“I chatting to Dayne (Zorko) a little bit last night as well and had a little radio talk with him this morning.
“The boys loved it, they loved getting around me.
“They probably would have done it anywhere but it felt amazing when they all jumped on me.”
A Collingwood fan growing up, Wilmot’s late father Glenn played five games in 1980, and despite recent grand final history, he’ll have no problem pulling on the maroon, blue and gold.
And expects his family will be the same.
“I think they can (support Brisbane), they’ll be fine,” he said.
“They’ll probably want to move up with me, I don’t think mum can leave me alone that long.”
However, the Wilmots will likely have to wait before beginning the AFL journey due to Queensland’s COVID restrictions.
Darcy was one of two young Victorians snapped up by Brisbane in the first round, along with Greater Western Rebels utility Kai Lohmann.
It’s hoped they can travel north before Christmas but could be forced to wait until the new year.
Wilmot is just rapt to officially be an AFL player.
“I don’t think it will happen until next year but there’s talk with restrictions it might be December 17th,” he said.
“I didn’t really care which club I went to, I’m bloody rapt with Brisbane though and looking forward to it.
“(I’ll learn from) Just the whole club, try and get that energy and culture. I’m looking forward to meeting all the boys and coaching staff.”
The youngest player in the draft, born on December 31, AFL Draft talent manager Kevin Sheehan believed he could have been drafted even higher if he’d been born just a couple of hours later.
“He’s the youngest player in the draft, he would have been a top five pick – top three even – next year,” Sheehan said.
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“I love the intercept-type who then get 60 to 80m with their dash, they take the game on and drive it deep inside 50m.
“It’s game-changing with the way the game is played now, he can read the angles so well to intercept mark or sweep up ground balls in defence or be the link out of defence.
“He’s got wonderful confidence.
“Emotionally for the family, he follows his dad, and he’ll be looking down with great satisfaction with what he’s son’s done.”
WHY WILMOT IS ALREADY A DRAFT SUCCESS STORY
Darcy Wilmot might be the youngest player available in the draft but he might also have the most mongrel.
Growing up in the rough and tumble northern suburbs, playing against boys – and this year, men – bigger and stronger has been the perfect preparation for the step up into the AFL world.
Wilmot relishes the one-on-one battles in defence but his toughness belies his classy disposal and elegance off half-back.
Think Bob Murphy mixed with a touch of Glenn Archer.
While most draftees are cherry-picked by private schools, Wilmot is an increasingly rare public school success story, graduating from Hazelglen College in Doreen.
The Yarrambat junior made his senior debut for Northern Football League club Montmorency to rave reviews during a Northern Knights bye and believes it will hold him in good stead at the highest level.
“Growing up in the Northern league, I’ve always been a bit younger than the other boys, so you’re used to the rough and tough (style), s--t grounds and big hits,” he said.
“Having that experience growing up, it’s normal for me, it’s a different, more physical game, so you’ve got to adapt.
“The energy of the crowd and the football club itself (on debut), that was one of the best wins of my career. It was amazing.
“I’m still 17 and still growing, I’ve got heaps of development left in me.
“To be where I am now and not fully developed yet shows I’ve got so much more to prove and become a better player.”
While he’s adapted to the hard knocks on the field, Wilmot has also had to overcome them off the field.
Father Grant was a professional boxer and played five games for Collingwood in 1980, earning three Brownlow Medal votes in just his third game, before breaking his leg.
Wilmot senior passed away in 2016, aged 59, but left a lasting legacy – and love of the Magpies – with Darcy, who hopes to follow in his footsteps.
“He passed away in Year 7, we’d always go down to the footy oval for a kick and he’d give me his wisdom,” Darcy said.
“I think he would’ve been really proud of me, he would’ve loved to see me on an AFL list.
“It will be really important for my friends and family after what I’ve gone through, to get where I am now and then be drafted.”
After one game in 2019 and seeing the 2020 season cancelled, Wilmot certainly made the most of his opportunities at NAB League level this season.
The dashing half-back averaged 15 disposals, 2.7 marks, 2.3 tackles and 3.6 rebound 50s but importantly also averaged 6.1 intercept possessions and 2.3 spoils per game – both ranked top-10 in the competition.
It saw him named in the competition’s Team of the Year along with teammates Josh Ward and Joel Trudgeon.
Wilmot shone in Vic Metro’s challenge game against Vic Country, not just with his play but with his voice, his leadership another key aspect of his game.
However, it can also get him into trouble sometimes with Knights coach Leigh Clarke giving him some wise advice.
“Watch your mouth when you get too hot,” Wilmot remembered laughing.
“He told me to just focus on what I really want to do, on what I want to do going forward and staying on the right track.
“He showed a lot of faith in me and gave me a lot of confidence to keep doing what I’m doing.”
“I loved it, the time when we could actually get out and play was amazing.
“I felt like I was pretty consistent throughout the year, it was the first time playing consistent games in the NAB League and felt comfortable.”
The Hazelglen College student has spoken to almost every club ahead of the draft, which begins on Wednesday night.
He’s been heavily linked to Brisbane as a successor to All-Australian defender Daniel Rich, while Richmond, Sydney, Melbourne and Port Adelaide are also in the mix.
Wilmot will be well off the board by the time his beloved Collingwood has a second pick after securing Nick Daicos but a Magpie has been his inspiration this season.
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“Since the start of the year I’ve related my game to Jack Crisp,” he said.
“He’s a 50-50 player, if he needs to be more of a lockdown (defender) or switch to attacking, he’s got the read-the-game ability that I like to think I have. He’s an all-round backman.
“I can be versatile, if I need to play a lockdown role on a small forward or if I need to be more of an attacking player, I’m happy to deliver whatever the team needs of me.
“I’ve spoken to a lot (of clubs) and I’ve had a couple of repeats with some of the clubs, it’s definitely exciting.”
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