Montmorency young gun dazzles in senior debut against Greensborough

Even rival coaches were in awe of one AFL Draft prospect’s senior football debut, while a Northern Knights teammate booted five goals in his maiden appearance.

Darcy Wilmot in action for the Northern Knights. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It was a debut that even had rival coaches in awe.

Montmorency young gun Darcy Wilmot shone in his first senior appearance in the Northern Football League, playing a key role in the Magpies’ stunning upset win over premiership favourite Greensborough on Saturday.

The 17-year-old Northern Knights draft prospect was all class off half-back.

Wilmot more than held his own against more mature bodies with the Borough boasting the likes of ex-AFL players Tom Bell and Nathan Hrovat.

It led Bundoora coach Michael Ryan to label it the best local footy debut by a 17-year-old he’d seen.

Darcy Wilmot in action for Northern Knights. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Montmorency coach Garry Ramsay was equally impressed by his young charge.

“It was too, 100 per cent. He was super impressive,” Ramsay agreed.

“I’m not surprised, we had him in pre-season training and we were pretty aware of what he could do. It was an extremely impressive debut.

“It can only help him moving forward playing against one of the top metropolitan football clubs and play as well as he did

“Not only was his defensive side but his attacking side was really good, he kicked the ball really well and took the game on. He’s a line-breaker.”

Wilmot has averaged 16 disposals in three games for the Knights this season.

The NAB League is on a month-long break meaning Wilmot could get a good run of critical experience against bigger bodies as he looks to push his draft case.

Ewan Macpherson in action for Northern Knights. Picture: Steve Tanner

The following day, Northern Knights teammate and Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Ewan Macpherson starred in his senior debut for Diamond Creek.

The 19-year-old Footscray VFL-listed midfielder booted five goals in the Creekers’ Anzac Day victory over Epping.

Coach Andrew Tranquilli liked what he saw from Macpherson rotating through the midfield and attack.

“He found himself in the right spot for a couple but the output we got from the kid was quality,” he said.

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“It was a matter of throwing him into the hot water, he got a couple early which released the pressure, and he worked his way into it pretty naturally.

“He’s a natural ball-hunter and inside mid so he was happy to get his first hit or two and away he went.

“We played him mainly as a small forward but through the midfield as well and he didn’t take a backward step.”

Macpherson has made a brilliant start to the NAB League season, averaging 24 disposals and six tackles a game.