Sean Darcy says he “can’t wait” for the biggest test of his career when Fremantle take on GWS on Saturday at Spotless Stadium.

The 19-year-old ruckman will come up against Shane Mumford, a player Darcy says he’s looked up to since he took up the game.

Darcy has featured as Fremantle’s specialist ruckman for almost all of his five AFL appearances, averaging 34 hitouts per game.

Teammate Aaron Sandilands led the league with an average of 41.1 hitouts per game prior to sustaining a season-ending hamstring injury in round 15, while Mumford has the third highest average at 38.4 hitouts per game.

Standing at 202cm and weighing in at 110kg in his draft year, Darcy has earnt favourable comparisons to Mumford, who has a similar frame at 199cm and 108kg.

Darcy waived off the comparison as “flattering” earlier in the year but is not shying away from the challenge of facing off against GWS and Mumford this Saturday.

“They’re a very good team and it’s over in Sydney,” Darcy said.

“Mumford’s someone that I’ve looked up to a fair bit. Since I was in the juniors he’s probably been my biggest idol but I’ll see how I go when I take him on.

“It’s a big challenge and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

The Darcy-Mumford clash also intrigues senior coach Ross Lyon, who is looking forward to testing his young ruckman against one of the best rucks in the competition.

“Sean’s exceeded expectations and I’m very pleased,” Lyon said.

“He’s competing and we’re absolutely thrilled. He’s jumped out of the box and he needs to stay level and keep working but we’re confident that he’ll do that. 

“He’s playing his idol this week, both of them in their youth have eaten their fair share of sausages him and Mumford.

“He’s got a tough task this week, (Mumford’s) a fierce competitor but so is our young bloke.

“It will be great to see him go head to head.”