Jack Darling has reportedly been vaccinated and will be able to re-join the West Coast Eagles in the coming days, reports The West Australian.
Darling, 29, had previously failed to meet the AFL’s vaccination policy and had been training away from the club since January 21, however the new development comes as welcome news to the Eagles.
It’s unclear when Darling received his first dose, but to be able to return to training he must be double vaccinated, per the AFL’s policy. It’s understood paperwork is the only hold-up and will be cleared imminently.
Discussing the news on SEN Breakfast on Friday morning, David King believes Darling will be a crucial avenue to goal for the injury-hit club.
West Coast only had 24 players fit to train on Tuesday and are coming off two poor showings against Fremantle in the pre-season.
“They kicked six and ten goals in the previous two games, they needed someone down there to threaten,” King said.
“Liam Ryan, Tim Kelly, Jamaine Jones, Willi Rioli, Jack Petruccelle, they were the goalkickers last week.
“Sometimes you just need a centre half-forward/full-forward type player to just be stamping three or four every second week, and that’s Jack.
“It’s huge news for Adam Simpson, they just needed some positive news.”
With all the negative press surrounding the club’s injury toll, form and Darling’s vaccination status, Simpson certainly needed a win heading into the new season.
Kane Cornes believes that will be the biggest takeaway for the Eagles from Darling’s news.
“That’s it, more so than what he’s going to do on the field, the vibe of the place and how many negative headlines they’ve had, they just needed a boost and it’s come at a good time.”
West Coast kicks off their season at Optus Stadium against Gold Coast in Round 1, but it’s unclear whether Darling will be fit enough to return in that game.
Darling kicked 42 goals from 22 games last year.