Having added plenty of bulk to his frame since his arrival at Fremantle, Darcy Tucker is looking to keep building towards a potential role as an inside midfielder.
The 21-year-old has juggled time on the wing and up front since joining with pick no.27 at the 2015 draft, and his 40th career game against Collingwood last Sunday was one of his best so far.
Tucker started Fremantle’s opening centre bounce at the MCG and played a crucial role in the lead-up to, as well as kicking, the opening goal of the contest.
Fremantle’s final goal of the day also came at the hands of Tucker, sidestepping the man on the mark to cap off a two-goal, seven-mark and four-tackle performance.
Since becoming established in the Freo lineup, the 21-year-old hopes to continue working on his versatility as a player.
Tucker was given just a taste against Collingwood after starting in a handful of Freo’s centre bounces.
“As a player, I’d play any role that they ask but it’s very good to increase my versatility in my game and to be able to play forward, wing and potentially inside mid in the future,” Tucker said.
“It’s great so hopefully, I can be in a few more centre bounces. It’s good fun in there.”
The 83kg Tucker only needs to look to Nat Fyfe for inspiration with the Fremantle captain growing from a 75kg forward into a dominant 92kg inside mid since joining Fremantle.
“What Nat’s done shows that everyone’s capable of putting on the size if they put their mind to it,” Tucker said.
“You need to build your strength and be able to match it with big midfielders in the competition. It’s always something you’ve got to work on and that comes with more pre-seasons.
“It’s something I want to do, build all my strengths in the gym, work as hard as I can and make the most of the opportunity.”
With Fyfe out of Fremantle’s lineup to face Adelaide due to suspension, Tucker could potentially find himself getting more time in the middle as soon as Sunday.
Tucker is one of a handful of young players who could see an increased role in the middle against the Crows, alongside the likes of 2017 draftee midfielders Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra.
“It will be very interesting,” Tucker said.
“Both teams will have a few key players out but we look to the next man in.
“We feel we’ll be able to cover Nat’s role with all of us younger players. Everyone’s got to step up and do their part. We’ll look to do that and build this week.”
