Western Bulldogs superstar Sam Darcy is still out for the count after a knee blow on Saturday night. His hyperextension knee injury sparked quickly the fear that he could be headed for a disappointing, season-ending ACL tear. This injury represents a tough blow for Darcy, who’s been one of the best players on High Point this season, already hitting the back of the net 14 times.
The injury happened nearly 20 years to the day that his father, Luke Darcy, suffered the same fate. Luke Darcy, a former Bulldogs player, suffered two serious knee injuries during his career, which ultimately affected his ability to play in 2005-06. When the accident happened to Sam, Luke was immediately by his side providing comfort and support. He was most helpful in the whirlwind that was their family’s acute discomfort knee injury epidemic.
Standing at 208 centimeters tall, Darcy’s imposing presence on the field has been nothing short of pivotal for the Bulldogs. While that’s all true, his absence will require some quick changes on the team’s part. The Western Bulldogs will need to find a short-term solution to fill the gap left by Darcy, especially with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan unavailable for selection due to personal issues.
Offensive play calling has often earned coach Luke Beveridge the blame. He’s going to have to get inventive with line-ups to cover for Darcy’s injury. He touted the versatility of his players including Buku Khamis and James O’Donnell. Both are extremely effective in any other position on the field.
“Buku (Khamis) can play either end of the ground, as James (O’Donnell) can,” – Luke Beveridge
Beveridge detailed the team’s plans moving forward. For instance, taking Rory Lobb forward was not necessarily their game plan going in. It is an option when they are reading the situation and contingencies as matches develop.
“It’s not in the Plan A approach to the game to play Rory (Lobb) forward at the start of a game, but it is an option,” – Luke Beveridge
The team’s biggest test without one of their most important players. They’re hellbent on making sure others don’t snatch away their competitive advantage. Beveridge added that he has never doubted his team would roll with the punches and that a strong focus on teamwork will help them come through this difficult period.
“He’ll do anything for the team — he’s a great team man like that,” – Luke Beveridge
