By Jim Morton and Murray Wenzel
Darcy Wilmot took a deep breath, relaxed his shoulders, ran in and kicked truly to score a goal on AFL debut.
It’s what he did next that revealed a bit about the 18-year-old and why Brisbane coach Chris Fagan trusted the untried defender in an elimination final at a sold-out Gabba.
Darcy Wilmot in the match against the Richmond Tigers at the Gabba on Thursday night.Credit:Getty
The teenager roared, flexed and then ran to the bench revving the crowd, still beaming when he sat next to a grinning Lachie Neale.
That goal gave Brisbane the lead for the first time in a contest that had 17 lead changes, the Lions finishing two-point winners.
“As soon as I got that 50 (metre penalty that led to his goal) I was just trying to be so composed and be relaxed,” he said.
“As soon as that went in I thought I was in a dream.
“It was unreal. And the sound the crowd made, it was amazing.
“This is the best feeling I’ve had in my life … I’m speechless and I have cramps in my cheeks I’ve been smiling that much.”
Wilmot showed poise in defence and servicing his forwards when he found space and time, although a late fumble almost cost the Lions in the final quarter.
“I don’t know if it slipped out of my hands or he punched it out of my hands but I was spewing after that,” he said.
Into the side for the suspended Noah Answerth, Wilmot may not play in their semi-final next week but ensured he left his mark.
“I found myself thinking that, with Darcy, even if we lost tonight, we’ve found a player,” coach Chris Fagan said.
“To make his debut, to come out and play like that and have some pretty good moments, speaks volumes for him.
“Hopefully he’ll be a Brisbane Lions player for a long, long time.”
AAP
