After joining Fremantle in 2016, Darcy Tucker is ready to go to the next level with Fremantle as the midfielder reflects on his career to date ahead of his 100-game milestone match against Geelong.
The 25-year-old has been a regular feature in the Fremantle line-up since joining the Club at the end of 2015 but has battled injury across the past few seasons.
Looking back at the ups and downs across his AFL journey to date, Tucker plans to be part of the group that can deliver Fremantle their first premiership.
“100 games, when I have time to reflect on it, I’m just really proud of it,” Tucker said.
“There has been a lot of ups and downs on the journey, obviously with injury.
“It’s been a tough road for us as a footy Club as well, when I first got here, we had that rebuild and it’s been a long time since we have had success.
“We are reaping the rewards now and it’s a really special group to be a part of. I’m really excited about the future of this footy Club and where we can take it from here.
“Everyone is rocking up to work and driving each other every day to try and win the first premiership for this footy Club.”
The product out of Horsham in regional Victoria was taken by Fremantle with pick 27 in the 2015 draft and has been played across multiple roles since his time at the Club.
The big-bodied midfielder looked set for a breakout year in 2020, before a season-ending hamstring injury in round eight saw Tucker sidelined.
He played 16 games last season, which saw him play every game since his return to the line-up in round seven, and has played all but one game so far this year (was unused against Essendon as medical sub).
Tucker said he has always felt loyal to Fremantle and hopes there’s many more games ahead of him in purple.
“I’ve never really thought about going somewhere else, obviously, when you first get there it’s tough being away from family and friends and WA is a long way from home,” Tucker said.
“The Club ever since day dot has been very welcoming and we have had a good bunch of boys ever since I’ve been here.
“I’m a very loyal bloke, and I think it was never a thought to go anywhere else.
“I feel the group we have got now is really special and capable of achieving some great things.
“I’m stoked to be here and very privileged and proud to play 100 games with this group and hopefully, there is many more to come.”
Tucker will share the milestone on Saturday with goal sneak Lachie Schultz who also brings up his 50th game for Fremantle against the Cats.
“Shoota’ is probably one of my best mates at the Club, so it’s quite fitting that I get to share the milestone with him,” Tucker said.
“He’s done awesome to get to 50 games, and there is a lot more to come for him.
“Everyone sees what he brings to our footy Club with his desire and his pressure and he gets rewarded with goals as well.
“Not only I love playing with ‘Shoota’, but the whole footy Club does and I think he’s going to be very good for years to come. I’m very proud.”
