Similar to idol Michael Long, Darcy has found adjusting to Melbourne's climate one of the challenging aspects of the move down South, however has not resorted to standing in a sauna to warm up - like Long did when he first came to Essendon. ""The first couple of months I was down here, the weather wasn't too bad. It has started to go really cold now, but I don't mind it because it is good for playing footy. In the top end you are playing in the heat and sometimes you feel like pulling out. Down here, you can keep going and you have to learn to cope with the weather if you want to play footy.""
Darcy trains with the VFL and senior squad each week and his overall game has greatly benefited from training and playing at an elite level. ""I couldn't cope with training for the first couple of weeks. It was very physical but I have got used to it now. I have been working on my skills and also focussing on building up my strength,"" Darcy said. Darcy has mainly been playing in the forward line and on the wing in the VFL said and recently played for the Northern Territory in the under-18's carnival. ""It was pretty good getting together and playing with the boys from the Territory. Especially winning - it was the first time we have done that.""
As part of the Michael Long scholarship, Darcy has not only been playing football he has also been working in the Bomber Shop and helping out in the Hall of Fame. Darcy believes the scholarship is the first step in helping him achieve his goals on and off the field. “My major goal is to play football at the highest level. I have to keep working hard for the rest of the season and hopefully get drafted. If I get drafted I would like to start studying next year as well,"" Darcy said.
Michael Long has been a mentor for Darcy this year and helped his with adjusting to the club. Development coach David Flood has also been a good help, driving Darcy to training sessions and helping him improve his skills. Darcy has many highlights of being at Essendon but the main one that stands out is playing for the Bombers. “Essendon is a very famous club in the Territory, so it has been exciting playing for them and getting involved with the players like - Rioli, Hirdy, Lloydy and all of those sort of blokes. I have learned a lot off this guys and got tips off them on how to play the game,"" Darcy said.
