IT'S NOT often you’ll find a two-time AFLW leading goal kicker making a move out of the forward line, and yet that’s exactly where Darcy Vescio finds themselves.
When walking into their ninth pre-season at the Carlton Football Club, Vescio recalls a conversation they had with AFLW Senior Coach Mathew Buck about a potential switch to a role on the wing – an idea that excited the 31-year-old immediately.
“I feel like I’ve really only known one position and viewed the game from one perspective, so it’s been really fun to be a beginner again and seeing the game from a different angle,” Vescio said.
“The other day, Buck said ‘I’m making you think a lot more than you usually would’, so it’s been a little bit of a cognitive load as well, but a welcome one.
“It’s really awesome having a coach that can see your potential outside of what you’ve always been.”
With Buck in his second year as Senior Coach, his philosophy on football has been welcomed by the playing group, with Vescio noting the way he has changed the program since arriving helped them decide to re-sign with the Club until at least the end of 2026.
“Buck’s been really hard on driving elite standards while we’re here and while we’re away from the Club as well,” they said.
“I think something really important has been understanding the style of footy we want to play – last year that was introduced to us, this year we’ve gotten deeper into that and have built a foundation of understanding.
“Now I’m hoping we can implement it better when the pressure mounts.”
With two matches being played in the pre-season against both Melbourne and Adelaide, Buck’s Blues showed promising signs under the new game plan, with Vescio sensing excitement from the growing connection between the playing group.
“That feeling when you’re all on the same page and you’re up for the fight – that excites me about footy,” they said.
Carlton’s attention now turns to Round 1 this Sunday 1 September, where the Blues will be put to the test against Hawthorn for the first time ever in the AFLW competition.
