Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Zorko has offered an insight into his club to draftee Darcy Wilmot and the expectations he has for the youngster.
Wilmot was taken with the Lions’ first pick at number 16 on Wednesday night and brought one of the highlights of the night with his Fox Footy interview after being drafted.
'A few more Pepsi Max!' 😂
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) November 24, 2021
It's party time for Darcy Wilmot 🎉 pic.twitter.com/frNZttxU1l
The 18-year-old, who was selected in this year’s NAB League Team of the Year, is classed as a medium rebounding defender who is blessed with speed to burn.
Speaking on SEN’s Pat and Heals, Zorko told Wilmot he’s walking into a “fantastic club” and believes the new recruit might have a few tricks to teach a club veteran.
“Fingers crossed we’re able to get you up before Christmas, that’d be ideal for starters,” Zorko told Wilmot.
“You’re coming into a club that values family and are so (together) in everything that they do. Everything we do we do for each other, from going out for breakfast and lunches and dinner with each other to sitting down talking to each other and really caring for the person.
“So, you’re walking into a fantastic club, a club that has some fantastic values and a great culture.
“From what I’ve seen over the last 24 hours I think you’re going to fit in really well. You’ve been the talk of our players’ chat, which is pretty special, not everybody gets that.
“I think you’re going to be a fantastic pickup for us and you might be able to give 'Richy' (Daniel Rich) a few tips down in our backline on how to break lines, it looks like you’re a bit of a speed demon down there from what I’ve watched.”
Victorians are currently not able to enter Queensland until December 17, when the state reaches an 80 per cent vaccination target.
The Lions have been well-versed in getting the best out of interstate kids in recent years, with Hugh McLuggage and Jarrod Berry, among many more, developing into strong contributors.
Zorko was asked by co-host Ian Healy what the expectation on Wilmot would be when he makes the move.
“To come in and enjoy himself for starters, it’s such a journey to get to the AFL and everyone always says your career starts when you get there, and that’s true to an extent, but I think for the first few weeks it’s about finding your feet, and Darcy will certainly do that,” he replied.
“He’ll come and watch training, he probably won’t join in for the first few sessions, he’ll just watch it and go through a few tests and stuff like that.
“But up until Christmas, it’ll just be about him enjoying himself and getting familiarised.”
The Lions also selected Kai Lohmann with the final pick on the first night of the draft, a high half-forward with plenty of X-factor.
They now have just one pick left, coming at number 41.