Built into the year after missing a chunk of pre-season training and finished strongly to claim another top-five finish in the John Worsfold Medal.

Darling played every game except round one and booted 34 goals – his seventh-straight year with at least 30 majors.

The hulking 30-year-old rediscovered his best in round 11 with four goals and three contested marks against the Western Bulldogs, and played every minute of the Eagles’ last 11 games of the season to provide a consistent marking target.

Reached the 250-game milestone in blue and gold in round 16 against Richmond at the MCG, becoming the second-youngest Eagle to the landmark behind Glen Jakovich, testament to his elite preparation and training standards.

Standout performance: Stepping up against the Suns

With long-time forward partner Josh Kennedy missing the trip to Metricon Stadium the Eagles were relying on Darling to deliver, which he did with six-straight majors as West Coast fell narrowly short of a third win for the year.

Darling slotted the game’s opening goal after a minute following a mark in the pocket, threaded a crucial long-range bomb from the boundary to kick-start the Eagles after half-time and latched onto another Luke Shuey pass moments later as the visitors surged.

Finishing with a season-best bag of six majors from just 40 inside 50s was a remarkable effort on an efficient day for the Eagles forwards.

Season averages

Disposals – 11.4

Marks – 4.7

Tackles – 2.3

Contested marks – 1.8

Goals – 1.6