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Dial shifters: The young stars that could propel their teams into September
Jaiden Sciberras • June 17th, 2025 6:15 pm
Round 14 saw the return of two of the AFL’s premier young guns, both having a major impact in leading their teams back to winning ways.
Entering their clash with St Kilda off a two-game losing streak, the Western Bulldogs were graced with the return of superstar key forward Sam Darcy.
Anchoring their forward line after an eight-week stint on the sidelines, Darcy starred with 19 disposals, nine marks and three goals as the Dogs soared to a 72-point thrashing.
Further north, the GWS Giants travelled to Brisbane to face the reigning premiers off the back of a poor showing against Port Adelaide in Canberra.
Returning to the side was 22-year-old midfielder Finn Callaghan, who proved vital as the Giants walked away with an 11-point win to keep their season alive.
32 disposals at 84 per cent efficiency, six score involvements, two goal assists and five clearances, Callaghan showed no signs of rust following his four-week shoulder injury.
With both the Bulldogs and the Giants sitting close to the border of the top eight, former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley believes that Darcy and Callaghan could be the difference makers in propelling their sides to September charges.
“Two players – Sam Darcy and Finn Callaghan,” Buckley told SEN’s Whateley.
“Not just those young players doing what they do, but how much they shift the dial for their respective teams.
“The Dogs are only just outside the eight, but if Sam Darcy played to his optimum between now and the end of the Dogs’ season, whenever that is, they could go all the way.
“If Finn Callaghan plays the way that he does between now and the end of the Giants’ season to the best of his ability, they could go all the way.
“They become legitimate contenders against the best teams when players like that roll out their very best.
"‘The Tsunami’ is almost ‘the Callaghan’. It doesn’t happen without him, because when he’s missing it looks like it’s inept, and when he’s there, it really sparks up because his run and his ability, special awareness, is great.
“Sam Darcy just changes and makes everything around him better. It’s not just what they do in their own space, it’s not just what they bring to the table themselves, it’s actually what happens around them.
“I think they make their teammates infinitely better. Just a couple to keep an eye on, given that I think their teams just pop when they are doing what they do.”
The Giants are set to host the Suns in a bid to solidify a top six spot, while the Bulldogs face the Tigers in attempt to leap back into the finals picture.
