Western Bulldogs young gun Sam Darcy says he doesn’t mind the challenge of playing on some of the competition’s premier defenders.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a hot start to the 2025 season, booting 12 goals – including a game-high five against Fremantle – to find himself equal-fourth in the Coleman Medal race after four games.

“I’m growing in confidence,” Darcy said following the narrow loss to the Dockers.

“It’s been good to keep playing games, trying to keep building and improving on what I’ve (started).

“Working with the other guys in the forward line – I’m really enjoying it.

“I don’t mind the challenge – if we have a lot of threats down there (in the forward line) then it can free up other guys, or vice versa. I like to think I just prepare well and back myself in.”

Senior coach Luke Beveridge was just as pleased with Darcy’s performance, despite recognising the team was maybe too reliant on the third-generation Bulldog late.

““He was a real winner for us again... Sam was just really strong and solid for us,” Beveridge told media post-match.

“I just thought we got a bit too Sam-conscious in the last quarter, and probably kicked it to him a bit too much.

“We had different options – and why wouldn’t you (kick it to him) at times – but it becomes too predictable.”

Darcy was looking forward to applying the lessons learnt against Fremantle to the reigning premiers in Gather Round.

“It’s a big game for us. Gather Round is always an exciting time, so we’ll (need) to bring our best against a very good side,” he said.

“We identified at the end of that second quarter (when Fremantle) had that little patch, we needed to be better just to halt their momentum. We lacked polish at certain times. It’s pretty disappointing.

“We’ve had a couple of close losses now, and we want to try and bank as many wins as we can in this early part of the season so we’ll reflect on the game and then move onto Gather Round.”