In 2016, Sean Darcy and Lloyd Meek competed for rival clubs in the TAC Cup.

With his selection at no.69 in the 2017 NAB AFL National Draft, Meek is now teaming up with Darcy to form part of the next generation of Freo’s ruckmen.

Both are 19, with Meek drafted as a mature ager from the Greater Western Victoria Rebels after missing out on selection in 2016.

Meek admitted to being disappointed missing out on the AFL ranks while seeing Darcy flourish at an AFL club, but is now delighted to team up alongside his fellow country Victorian.

“Sean’s from the Geelong Falcons, who are rivals to us Rebels,” Meek said.

“I’ve had a few good matches with him and I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to also play with him through the Vic Country program.

“I plan to be an absolute sponge for my first year and I’m just going to learn as much as I possibly can and that includes off Sean and, obviously, Aaron Sandilands. I can’t wait to get stuck into it.”

Meek said Darcy was one of his most formidable opponents in the TAC Cup.

“It was always good (going up against Darcy), I would always aspire to take on a challenge and Sean is obviously a good player, especially through his junior career,” Meek said.

“We were always fairly even and he was picked up, I’m coming back as a 19-year-old, we’ve spoken about it and I’m happy to be with him now after being an opponent and I can’t wait to train with him and learn from him.”

Even though he stands at 202cm and weighs in at 106kg, Meek admitted to feeling overawed when meeting Sandilands.

“How good is it to have someone like Aaron to learn off and train with and improve from,” Meek said.

“His size, it does give you an insight (of who you come up against in the AFL), I don’t look up to many people but I’m definitely looking up to him. I can’t wait to learn from him more.”