The Lions have added flair and undeniable courage to their defensive stocks with the selection of Darcy Wilmot with pick 16 in the NAB AFL Draft.
National Recruiting Manager Stephen Conole used the Club’s first pick to secure the 17-year-old from the Northern Knights.
With Grant Birchall retired and All Australian Daniel Rich entering veteran status, Wilmot provides the rebounding prowess both players built their reputations on over their stellar careers.
However, Conole is also convinced the potential is there to develop him into an attacking midfielder.
Wilmot is the youngest player taken in the 2021 draft and with a New Year’s Eve birthday, was only a day off being ineligible until next year.
The dashing defender caught the eye of the Lions recruiters with his ability to combine one-on-one defensive skills with electric pace and creativity throughout his junior football.
Senior Coach Chris Fagan encourages his players to take the game on and Wilmot, who already possesses natural attacking instincts, is set to flourish under his guidance.
His pace and ball use are first class, but he has also earned a reputation for being fearless against much bigger opponents.
Conole said the Vic Metro star had the rare mix of defence and offence that made him a unique player in this year’s draft pool
“We are extremely pleased and excited to bring Darcy into the footy club,’’ he said.
“He is a super competitive player whose ability to defend well but also run and create from behind the game really appeals.
“He played predominately as a small defender this year, but we have seen him play through the wing and across half forward in his junior years, and as the youngest player in this year’s draft pool he has enormous scope to develop into a terrific player for us going forward.”
Wilmot became an instant fan favourite with his celebration in the draft coverage and he was still on cloud nine when called by coach Chris Fagan.
'"I'm still shaking, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much, this is unreal, it doesn't even feel real,'' he said.
