There is a certain football romance that comes with a young star making their way through the ranks towards their AFL debut.

Some are significant moments in a club’s history, adding to the Darcy name is one of those.

Sam Darcy will become a third generation Bulldog this week when he runs onto the field against Fremantle. His father Luke, a 226-game legend for the Dogs. His late grandfather David, a key defender of 133 games.

When reflecting on his journey, Luke couldn’t help but find parallels between his time at the club and the beginning of Sam’s.

“1962 he (David) walked through almost the same entrance as our family walked through this morning,” Darcy recalled.

“(He) spent a big part of his formative years on the same patch of grass that you spend most of your life.

“November 1993, I walked through that exact same door and had the same experience. I know how proud Grandad was of you.”

“I suppose when I walked through the doors and didn’t realise that I realise now, the lifelong friendships that you form are literally lifelong.”

“I look around the room and some of my lifelong friends are here now in Smithy, Granty and Bevo. They were there to shake my hand on that first day so many years ago.”

Darcy spoke of the challenges a football career encapsulates but encouraged his young son to enjoy the moment.

“Everyone in the room will know there is ups and downs with footy and challenges that happen, but that’s just life,” Darcy said.

“What a gift it is to know you’re going to have these people in your corner for life.”

“It means a lot to your family.”

“From the youngest possible age, you’ve been dreaming about putting on this red, white and blue jumper. It’s a great honour, it’s a great privilege – I am really proud of you, proud of the person you are.”

“I hope you wear it with as much pride as I did.”