AT JUST 14 years of age and standing at around six foot one, Yanco Agricultural High School student Darcey Cullen is already catching the eye of many when he steps out onto an Aussie Rules field.
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Having grown up in Broken Hill before starting boarding school at YAHS, Darcey said the sport was always his favourite. That passion has led him to play for several representative teams, which this year has included sides as part of the Giants Academy.
He was recently selected in the under 14s Giants Grey team, which took on other sides from across the state during a three-day competition in Albury.
"It gave us a really good perspective of what it would be like if we were playing in the AFL ... we learned a lot about recovery and how to look after yourself properly," he said.
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"We also watched videos of the games and the coaches explained to us what we could work on, where we played well etc. We also had one-on-one time with the coaches as well."
During that competition, Darcey spent some time in the full back position, but locally with the Leeton-Whitton Crows he usually plays on the wing. Despite his height, he's still quite fast when on the go.
"I don't mind the centre or the ruck either ... I'll play wherever really," he said.
Darcey's Giants Grey sides won each of their games during the competition. There were also some former AFL players coaching the teams at the event.
"The standard was really good ... very high," he said.
Darcey's ultimate dream is to play AFL professionally and it's a goal he will continue to work hard for.
He plans to keep his fitness up during the upcoming school holiday break by running most days, as well as weight training where possible.
Darcey said his love of Aussie Rules comes from his family and he thanked them for their ongoing support in working towards his dream.
The Collingwood fan said there wasn't anything about the sport that he didn't like.
"I've always loved it ... there's the physical element, but it's just everything about the game really," Darcey said. "I'm just going to keep working hard."
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