Luke Darcy stitched up calling his last AFL Grand Final

Luke Darcy’s colleagues had one final stitch-up waiting as the ex-Western Bulldog called time on his footy media career.

Luke Darcy’s colleagues had one final “gift” for him as the commentator bowed out of the footy media world on Saturday.

It was confirmed on Friday ex-Western Bulldogs ruckman Darcy was retiring from his media duties with Channel 7 and Triple M “to dedicate more time to his growing business”, according to the network.

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Saturday’s grand final, won by the Brisbane Lions by a massive 60 points, marked the end of a checkered 17-year journey in the media for Darcy, following his retirement from playing back in 2007.

The decision to quit the media landscape came on the back of a series of recent controversies, many directly related to his strained relationship with Kane Cornes, who is joining Seven in 2025.

Mark Howard had one last stitch up for his departing colleague Luke Darcy. Picture supplied by Triple M

With Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw leading Seven’s grand final coverage, Darcy was calling the game for Triple M and his radio colleagues had one final surprise for him at halftime at the MCG.

“Mate you’ve done it all, you’ve had a 15-year career, you’ve never missed a beat,” Mark Howard began.

“You’ve called a netball gold medal, you’ve called the last 15 AFL Grand Finals, you’ve done the “Weapon” (Dean Robinson, Essendon supplement) interview, you’ve done House of Wellness.

“But now is the great moment, the chance to cap your career.”

Darcy clearly knew something was coming when he replied: “One of the great stitch-ups Howie and I feel like throwing the toys out of the cot and going and getting a Party Pie.”

Howard added: “We really want you to do a good job of this Luke.”

“I know you do,” Darcy replied. “I know the joy it’s going to give when this is as horrific as it’s going to be.”

Darcy has had a colourful career in the media. Photo: Andrew Hobbs Photography

The trick the team was playing on Darcy was getting him to call the grand final sprint completely off the cuff, with no preparation or knowledge of the race or its participants.

“I’ve got no idea who half of them are, but about to get underway, grand final sprint,” Darcy said as he did his best to get his head around the task in front of him.

“You know what the best part is?” Jason Dunstall asked. “We’re lined up at the middle of the track, so you can’t even see the finish line properly and you could call the wrong winner.”

Ever the professional, Darcy started working his way through the field, once he could see the runners for the final.

“Jeremy Sharp nice warm-up, Beau McCreery is lightning quick,” Darcy began, trying to sound like he knew what he was talking about.

He stressed Will McLachlan “has a bit of strut about him” and added “Jed McEntee’s quick from Port Adelaide”.

In the end, Beau McCreery (centre) won the sprint. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

To top off Darcy’s issues, there was a false start before the sprint even got underway.

“Nerves out there on grand final day,” Darcy said. “Some nerves in here as well.”

It couldn’t have been a more difficult task for the former Bulldog, as an incredibly close race then unfolded.

With Howard screaming at him to “call it”, the 49-year-old could only manage: “McCreery and (Darcy) Wilson, I reckon she’s a dead heat.

“Darcy Wilson has claimed it. He might’ve bobbed at the right time.”

“Stunning call” Howie yelled, relishing the moment.

“Well done ‘Darce’. Have the rest of the day off. McCreery has taken the points as called by Luke Darcy.

“Well done Big Daddy.”