AFL Rising Star: Brisbane Lions defender Darcy Wilmot earns round 14 nomination

An infamous draft night interview came home to roost on Monday when a young Lions defender thought his dream sponsorship had landed after a Rising Star nomination.

Darcy Wilmot and Kai Lohmann of the Lions celebrate during the 2023 AFL Round 14 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans at the Gabba on June 16, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The drinks are on Darcy Wilmot this week after Brisbane’s newest cult hero landed a carton to go with his round 14 AFL Rising Star nomination.

In a nod to his infamous draft night interview after he went Pick 16 to the Lions in 2021 – in which he promised to celebrate the occasion with “a couple more Pepsi Max” – Wilmot had a 30-pack of his favourite beverage ready and waiting when he learned of his nomination at training on Monday.

“I thought I was getting called in to get a spray from someone. I’m pretty thankful I wasn’t getting in trouble,” he joked.

“They just said, ‘Letting you know you’ve won the Rising Star – and Pepsi Max has a slab on the way’.”

Darcy Wilmot had 19 touches in the Lions’ win over Sydney on Friday night, earning him the Round 14 AFL Rising Star nomination. Picture: Getty Images

He was later informed the gift came via a Lions staffer and not the soft drink giant, much to his disappointment.

Still, Wilmot can crack a cold one and celebrate a well-deserved Rising Star nomination as the 16-gamer continues to hone his craft over a stellar sophomore season at Springfield.

It comes off the back of a 19 disposal, four-mark effort across halfback in the Lions’ 16-point win over Sydney last Friday.

The 19 year old becomes the second Brisbane youngster to get the nod this season, following teammate Will Ashcroft’s round 2 nomination.

Wilmot averages 13.5 touches and 4.8 intercept possessions per game in 2023, rotating between the wing and halfback.

The Victorian made an immediate impression on the AFL world with his high-energy goal celebration on debut in Brisbane’s two-point elimination final win over Richmond at the Gabba last year.

Darcy Wilmot becomes the second Lions player to earn a Rising Star nomination this season after Will Ashcroft’s nod in Round 2. Picture: Getty Images

The first three games of his AFL career came in the cauldron of finals footy and Wilmot says that introduction helped fast-track his exposure to the elite level.

“That’s probably the most experience you could get – not many people can say they’ve played prelims and finals (so early in their career),” he said.

“I feel like I’m going pretty well. I’ve played every game since finals last year … I haven’t been dropped which is a good sign.

“It (still feels) weird. I know I’m playing and I get comfortable with each week and I start to feel more confident which makes preparing (for games) a bit easier … then I talk to my mates and family and I realise, ‘Wow, I’m actually an AFL player. I’m doing this’. It’s still pretty surreal.”

Darcy Wilmot whips the travelling Lions fans into a frenzy after knocking off Melbourne at the MCG during last year’s finals. Picture: Getty Images

His infectious energy and excitement has already endeared him to teammates and the Brisbane faithful.

After just his second game – a semi-final victory over Melbourne at the MCG – Wilmot was seen whipping the visiting Lions fans into a frenzy long after the final siren.

It was his father, former Collingwood VFL player Grant Wilmot, who impressed upon the Lions’ latest excitement machine to let his love for the game shine through on the field.

Grant passed away six years ago but his footy legacy lives on in Darcy, who proudly plays with his father’s No. 44 on his back and passion in his heart.

“He definitely would have been proud (of the Rising Star nomination). He would have just been happy I’m doing what I love doing,” Wilmot said.

“He always told me if I wasn’t doing football to just do something that I love. Make sure you’re happy and if that’s playing footy, then play footy. I know he’ll be cheering for me.

“It’s all about passion. I’m doing something I love and I’ve got the energy there and I’m just expressing it. Why not show off that you love doing what you’re doing?”

Originally published as AFL Rising Star: Brisbane Lions defender Darcy Wilmot earns round 14 nomination