Herald Sun saying he may have head injuries and needs to be checked. Could be clubs further down the draft list spreading stories.

Do you have a link to that?

Herald Sun saying he may have head injuries and needs to be checked. Could be clubs further down the draft list spreading stories.

Definitely a ploy to put some off the scent but it won't fool people like Scott Clayton. He'll be picked up by Gold Coast well before Freo can get their hands on him.

If Smedts is gone at pick 12 and Darling is available. I would be happy to take him!

It was one of Hutchy's back page shorts, so you know it's on the money ...

Can't find a link to it, but this is it verbatim:

Prized West Australian youngster Jack Darling faces an uncertain draft, with the youngster's medical history causing concern among clubs.

The boom forward, considered a strong chance to be the first non-Gold Coast selection at pick No.4 by West Coast, faces a nervous day as anxious clubs contemplate medical advice.

The youngster hurt his head during a clash with a bouncer at a Perth nightspot this year.

He's had head issues since and many medicos are cautioning their own clubs about ongoing risks.

The youngster still seems likely to be drafted and has prodigious talent.

But a series of scans have been requested by cautious clubs determined to make the right call.

Apart from Hutchy loving to refer to Darling as "the youngster", it's fairly light on for info.

We get it, clubs are concerned, anxious and cautious.

The prospect of ongoing migraines does worry me, but there's a lot of water to go under the bridge and we will never know exactly what's in it.

The prospect of ongoing migraines does worry me, but there's a lot of water to go under the bridge and we will never know exactly what's in it.

As a formerly chronic sufferer of severe migraines, it would worry me too. If his are anything like the ones I used to have, his career is already over.

That said, mine suddenly and inexplicably stopped happening after several years of having one every few weeks.

You just need to look at Andrew Bogut.

Every now & then he has to take a game off because of migraines.

Fortunately for him basketball is a sport where it can be managed & catered for.

Footy players can't be going in & out of the side every few weeks.

Look at Jordan Lewis - he had to manage migraines in 2010 after his concussion & we saw a significant drop in form from him.

Darling over Gaff or Day? Not likely.

We are discussing pick 12-not likely that either Gaff or Day would be there.We certainly would take either if they were there-however, IMO- Darling would be the best of the three anyhow as the list is..

Day will be gone at #3.

#1 - Swallow

#2 - Bennell

#3 - Day

We are discussing pick 12-not likely that either Gaff or Day would be there.We certainly would take either if they were there-however, IMO- Darling would be the best of the three anyhow as the list is..

I was referring to the discussion and articles popping up about West Coast taking Darling at pick 4. Day is obviously most likely in the top 3 but if he was over-looked, it would be Gaff taken. I'm saying Darling wont be taken at pick 4 over whoever isn't chosen in the top 3.

Emma Quayle states in her article in 'The Age' today that Jack Darling will not go to the Gold Coast, which greatly increases the chances of him sliding to pick 12.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-golden-boys-20101113-17s03.html

Emma Quayle states in her article in 'The Age' today that Jack Darling will not go to the Gold Coast, which greatly increases the chances of him sliding to pick 12.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-golden-boys-20101113-17s03.html

Interesting Emma has pick 12 down as Seb hope she is right, obviously it's clear now he is very unlikely to last to our second round pick.

Emma Quayle states in her article in 'The Age' today that Jack Darling will not go to the Gold Coast, which greatly increases the chances of him sliding to pick 12.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-golden-boys-20101113-17s03.html

Great article by Emma.

She tends to have a pretty good grip on player ratings throughout the last couple of years.

She doesn't say why he wont go there. Odd. I thought he would have complimented their taller pick in Sam Day. Darling could move around and leave Sam Day in the goalsquare.

There was an article earlier this year on Darling where he said the other WA boys at the Gold Coast (maybe Swallow and Matera) were raving about the conditions and telling Darling how much he'll enjoy it when he gets there. Admittedly this was before he got attacked at a Perth nightclub.

Assume GC don't wont to pick him - this may be why Darling has slid down the draft prediction lists. He was considered a top 3 pick last year at 16.

We are all talking about the type of player we need - eg; we need a tall for a key forward post, or we need a quick mid or defender who can kick. Maybe we need someone with a bit of attitude to complement Watts and Jurrah. He describes himself as hard, competitive, and someone who can apply good defensive pressure and a ferocious attack on the ball , so there's no shortage of attitude. Reminds me of Brereton.

It sounds like he'd be more agressive than Watts and Jurrah and I think we need that type up forward.

I also like the sound of a 3 pronged mobile forward line with a tall skillful Watts; a stocky imposing Darling and the amazing Jurrah. He's a WA boy with history, but he could be worth the risk.

We are discussing pick 12-not likely that either Gaff or Day would be there.We certainly would take either if they were there-however, IMO- Darling would be the best of the three anyhow as the list is..

All in all, I fear he is a bit risky.

His seemingly reckless attitude mentioned by others.

His still a little short, by todays Key Tall standards. With out the express pace needed to counteract the lack of 'Reach'.

His now injury, both physical & emotional.

I don't think we are in a desperate position to take such a risk with out 1st Rnd Pick... I'd be happy with a comparable kid for our 1st Pick.

The truth is, the only attraction is that he happens to play the old fashioned full forward way.

That, on it's own, isn't enough.

All in all, I fear he is a bit risky.

His seemingly reckless attitude mentioned by others.

His still a little short, by todays Key Tall standards. With out the express pace needed to counteract the lack of 'Reach'.

His now injury, both physical & emotional.

I don't think we are in a desperate position to take such a risk with out 1st Rnd Pick... I'd be happy with a comparable kid for our 1st Pick.

The truth is, the only attraction is that he happens to play the old fashioned full forward way.

That, on it's own, isn't enough.

On the contrary, i think he is capable of playing more roles than any other KPF in this year's draft. He plays like a FF (his lack of 2-3cm is absolutely nothing, look at 2cms FFS), he can lead up like a CHF, he crumbs like that of a FP, he has the running capabilities to play on a flank, wing or even in the midfield. With the new interchange rules being introduced, his value rises immensely. Tom Lynch being a former mid himself (until a significant growth spurt) can only somewhat similarly compare to Darling's versatility than the rest of the KPF's in this draft. Day will be long gone, So too Lynch one feels (Lynch is also a greater risk than Darling IMO). He has played less football at such a high level than say a Darling, which provides for greater upside, but also greater risk.

We have our 195+cm KPF already in Watts, we have Jurrah who can play just as tall as one, we need someone to crash and bash the packs, give our forward line some mongrel and physicality. We have been really lacking in this department since Neita's retirement. Darling will not fail through a lack of effort. The way he goes about his footy is fantastic, he tries all day. If our medicos give him the all clear, i would be more than happy for us to get him with pick 12 (way more than Smedts anyway, who averaged fewer disposals than Darling at the carnival BTW). As for his swagger, Buddy had/has it too, look how he turned out. Maybe moving across the other side of the country will do Darling the world of good.

On the contrary, i think he is capable of playing more roles than any other KPF in this year's draft. He plays like a FF (his lack of 2-3cm is absolutely nothing, look at 2cms FFS), he can lead up like a CHF, he crumbs like that of a FP, he has the running capabilities to play on a flank, wing or even in the midfield. With the new interchange rules being introduced, his value rises immensely. Tom Lynch being a former mid himself (until a significant growth spurt) can only somewhat similarly compare to Darling's versatility than the rest of the KPF's in this draft. Day will be long gone, So too Lynch one feels (Lynch is also a greater risk than Darling IMO). He has played less football at such a high level than say a Darling, which provides for greater upside, but also greater risk.

We have our 195+cm KPF already in Watts, we have Jurrah who can play just as tall as one, we need someone to crash and bash the packs, give our forward line some mongrel and physicality. We have been really lacking in this department since Neita's retirement. Darling will not fail through a lack of effort. The way he goes about his footy is fantastic, he tries all day. If our medicos give him the all clear, i would be more than happy for us to get him with pick 12 (way more than Smedts anyway, who averaged fewer disposals than Darling at the carnival BTW). As for his swagger, Buddy had/has it too, look how he turned out. Maybe moving across the other side of the country will do Darling the world of good.

I have a feeling that I'd rather take a Luke Mitchell/Lucas Cook/Josh Walker or other @ our 2nd rnd,,, & even with our 3rd Rnd pick as well.

That classy ball user who can run the ball off H/B, as well as go Mid/Forward as well is becoming my preference, as I discover there are quite a few capable Talls throughout the draft.

If Gold Coast has about 10 early picks (thus allowing them to take a few risks) and they still won't take a risk on Darling because of his off field issues, then what does that tell you?

Do. Not. Want.

I don't think GC can neccesarily afford risks more than anyone else but agree that if everything was kosher Darling should go somewhere in the top 10. In saying that I will be wraped if we take him, I have faith in the FD, Bailey and our group of excellently behaved players to see that Darling stays the straight and narrow path.

Go Dees!

I have a feeling that I'd rather take a Luke Mitchell/Lucas Cook/Josh Walker or other @ our 2nd rnd,,, & even with our 3rd Rnd pick as well.

That classy ball user who can run the ball off H/B, as well as go Mid/Forward as well is becoming my preference, as I discover there are quite a few capable Talls throughout the draft.

Well if an Atley fell to our pick 12 and Mitchell was there at pick 33, i wouldn't be too upset if we went that path. Although i doubt Mitchell will be there at 33.

All in all, I fear he is a bit risky.

His seemingly reckless attitude mentioned by others.

His still a little short, by todays Key Tall standards. With out the express pace needed to counteract the lack of 'Reach'.

His now injury, both physical & emotional.

I don't think we are in a desperate position to take such a risk with out 1st Rnd Pick... I'd be happy with a comparable kid for our 1st Pick.

The truth is, the only attraction is that he happens to play the old fashioned full forward way.

That, on it's own, isn't enough.

I think we have enough depth developing on all lines to take a risk, sounds like exactly the sort of player we need, with some mongrel and arrogance. The Leadership group would play a pivotal role, could be a good project for Colin Sylvia to mentor. Learn from my mistakes so to speak.

I bet Richmond would love Buddy's arrogance now. Is it possible we over-analyze these things? Carey would have been handy too, and turns out he was a complete toss bag... and 2 time premiership captain

If Gold Coast has about 10 early picks (thus allowing them to take a few risks) and they still won't take a risk on Darling because of his off field issues, then what does that tell you?

Do. Not. Want.

Why would they want to take risks I would be thinking they would go the safer options as this draft is intended to build the nucleus of there team we on the other hand have stock piled and many prooven afl players on our list.

However if the fd think he is risky if still available at pick 12 I'm happy to let him slide but if there is no attitude nor long term injury than I am very very keen to see him in red and blue. I believe believe his got star potential maybe another pavlich?

As I have said before he is the most interesting player in the draft really could go anywhere

He reminds me of Aaron Hamill a bit. I'm happy to draft him at 12, I think we could do with a bang and crash kinda player.

I think we have enough depth developing on all lines to take a risk, sounds like exactly the sort of player we need, with some mongrel and arrogance. The Leadership group would play a pivotal role, could be a good project for Colin Sylvia to mentor. Learn from my mistakes so to speak.

I bet Richmond would love Buddy's arrogance now. Is it possible we over-analyze these things? Carey would have been handy too, and turns out he was a complete toss bag... and 2 time premiership captain

ha ha, possibly, but I'm Not a MFC recruitment manager. Just a supporter & poster who has an opinion on most things MFC.

DARLING A BARGAIN OR BUST

Key WA forward Jack Darling would be a bargain if taken outside the top 10 in Thursday's national draft.

That's the view of his WAFL coach despite the teenager's prospects having suffered from several off-field incidents.

West Perth's Bill Monaghan said the 18-year-old had not lost the talent that led to him being touted as a potential top-three pick a year ago.

He said the youngster had an AFL-ready frame capable of playing every game next season.

Nice write up on darling in the weekend west. Could be a looker but the FD will choose the best it can at 12.

If Gold Coast has about 10 early picks (thus allowing them to take a few risks) and they still won't take a risk on Darling because of his off field issues, then what does that tell you?

Do. Not. Want.

Are they not wanting to take Darling because of his off field issues ?

Point being, GC may have already filled their needs with Tall/Forward(s).