Matthew Lloyd believes West Coast Eagles forward Jack Darling’s trade request to North Melbourne could be the saving grace for lonesome and under pressure goalkicker Nick Larkey.
The 32-year-old Eagle, who was part of their 2018 premiership side, formally requested a trade to the Kangaroos on Wednesday after speculation swirled that the move would occur.
It proves an exciting time for the floundering Roos, who finished 17th in 2024 with just three wins to their name.
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Lloyd thinks there’s no one better than Darling – who is two games shy of reaching the 300 club – to mentor Larkey, who kicked 46 goals in 2024 and finished equal seventh in the Coleman Medal.
“Nick Larkey has been crying out for someone,” Lloyd said on Nine’s Footy Classified on Wednesday night.
“That’s the only answer I’ll give, that Nick Larkey support (Darling can bring).”
Yet journalist Damien Barrett doesn’t share the same hope as Lloyd.
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“I hear you, Llordo. But Jack Darling’s going to be 33 next year and he’s got 298 matches behind him,” he said.
“I don’t think he’s anywhere near the peak of the Jack Darling powers.
“North Melbourne doesn’t expect him to be, but I reckon there’s other options than a 33-year-old.”
The Eagles confirmed they will “work” with the Kangaroos to ensure Darling’s trade can succeed.
“The club will now work with North Melbourne towards facilitating that request during next month’s trade period,” an Eagles statement said on Wednesday.
Darling is an Eagles legend, sitting second on the club’s all-time games record with 298 matches to his name.
He also sits second on the club’s goalkicking list, booting a whopping 532 during his West Coast career.
The AFL trade period begins on Monday, October 9.