He is the little brother who isn’t very little.

Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Will Darcy measured 196cm at the AFL draft combine last month — 12cm shy of his 208cm older brother and current Bulldogs star, Sam.

But the 18-year-old might not be done with just yet, having grown about 15cm in the past two-and-a-half years to catch the eyes of AFL recruiters this season.

“He’s shot up,” Sam said of Will.

“I reckon he’s still growing. I don’t think he’ll catch me, or hopefully not. But he’s probably got a lot more growing and filling out to do, which is exciting.”

FINAL PHANTOM DRAFT: EVERY FIRST ROUND PICK, BID PREDICTED

Will is likely to be selected by the Bulldogs with a late pick on the second night of the national draft on Thursday, unless an early bid is made by a rival club.

The brothers are both the sons of club great Luke Darcy, while their late grandfather David Darcy also pulled on the boots for Footscray in the 1960s and early 1970s.

“Watching the Bulldogs when I was young and barracking for them, it would be a dream come true (to be drafted there),” Will said.

“There’s a lot of history there so it would be pretty cool to play for the Bulldogs and continue that legacy.”

Like Sam, Will has come through the Scotch College and Oakleigh Chargers programs, but is a little less developed at the same age.

Will did not complete physical testing at the draft combine due to a back injury, but has resumed full training over the past fortnight and is ready to attack pre-season.

“For me, I know it’s going to take some time to fully develop and get a game,” Will said.

“As I’ve seen the past couple of years (with Sam), there might be lots of adversities and setbacks and Sam got there in the end because he overcame those adversities to become the player he is.

“I know I’ve got to keep working at it to get where I want to be.”

Sam said he had been excited by Will’s development over the past 12 months, having attended some of his games between his own football commitments.

Will spent time at both ends of the ground this season, so the brothers could find themselves in either the same forward line or at opposing ends of the ground in the years ahead.

“Not many brothers get to play together at the highest level in the AFL, so it would be pretty special,” Sam said.

“It would be funny seeing him around the club the first few days, but I’m sure we’d get used to it and it would be good fun.”

What time is the AFL Draft?

The 2025 AFL national draft will be held over two nights, with the first round taking place on Wednesday. Every other selection from round two onwards will be on Thursday.

How can I watch the AFL Draft?

You can follow every pick and all the action from the 2025 AFL Draft right here on both nights.

The draft will also be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, starting at 7pm AEDT Wednesday and Thursday.

South Australia: 6:30pm

Queensland: 6pm

Northern Territory: 5:30pm

Western Australia: 4pm

Can I watch behind the scenes?

For the first time, you can.

In 2025, CODE Sports has been following the AFL Draft journey across three different states and three different families in 2025.

Through the eyes of three kids – Cooper Duff-Tytler, Zeke Uwland and Matt LeRay – as they chase their dream.

From childhood sport and teenage challenges to life-changing decisions and overwhelming emotion, Chasing The Dream brings you the real draft story for the first time.

WATCH THE FIRST TWO PARTS OF THE DOCUSERIES BELOW OR WATCH HERE