Darcy crowned king of Dockers

FREMANTLE ruckman Sean Darcy underlined his standing as an emerging giant of the AFL by claiming the Doig Medal in an exciting count at Crown Perth.

Darcy ran down sentimental favourite David Mundy, who led for most of the count, to win with 222 votes ahead of Mundy (207) and Andrew Brayshaw (186).

The 23-year-old has been guided by ex-teammate and now ruck coach Aaron Sandilands and has now emulated his mentor by joining him on the Doig Medal honour roll.

Darcy, who has played 62 games, signed a two-year contract extension during the mid-season bye which locked him in until the end of 2024.

It preceded a purple patch, with the ruckman being his team’s top vote-getter in three consecutive games from rounds 16-18.

His highest-scoring game came in the win over Hawthorn in Launceston in round 17. He received 20 votes after dominating with 25 disposals, 13 hit-outs to advantage and six contested marks.

The big left-footer played 21 games after a pre-season injury interruption, earning a spot in the 40-man All-Australian squad.