Ankle injuries soured the beginning of each of Darcy Lang's two years at Carlton. He made a name for himself as a pressure forward in the VFL, averaging 18 disposals. The hard work paid off, given a reprise into the seniors under David Teague where he contributed with 16 pressure acts per game. Carlton's historic lack of quality small forwards wasn't solved by trading in Lang. His chances of maintaining a senior berth took a massive whack when Jack Martin joined the ranks. The ex-Cat hasn't reached the heights expected after his transfer and doesn't warrant any fantasy interest this season.
Lang hangs in for long game
Ankle injuries soured the beginning of each of Darcy Lang's two years at Carlton. He made a name for himself as a pressure forward in the VFL, averaging 18 disposals. The hard work paid off, given a reprise into the seniors under David Teague where he contributed with 16 pressure acts per game. Carlton's historic lack of quality small forwards wasn't solved by trading in Lang. His chances of maintaining a senior berth took a massive whack when Jack Martin joined the ranks. The ex-Cat hasn't reached the heights expected after his transfer and doesn't warrant any fantasy interest this season.
Mr Darcy's wide & pedesis
A preseason ankle injury soured Darcy Lang's first year at Carlton, meaning he failed to emulate the promise of his impressive 2017 finals series for Geelong where he set a new personal best of 24 for possessions. He rotated from half forward to midfield, reaching 20 disposals only once in a canter over the Suns. He has just three fantasy tons to his name in over 50 home & away matches, all in big wins. He was again troubled by ankle problems this preseason, missing the JLT. Lang is the sort of player who could be a fantasy factor in a good side, as he feeds off the work of a team moving forward. Carlton is not a good side. With the departure of a number of older HFFs from the list in the off season and an obvious commitment to others in the engine room, Lang's position seems to be a limit on his scoring, not to mention his fitness as he is projected to miss round 1 and perhaps beyond. Worth a late pick to start on easier matchups against fellow minnows.
Mister Darcy is hot
Geelong resisted, Carlton persisted, and in the end the Blues secured Darcy Lang as part of the Gary Ablett jnr deal. Lang's historical numbers across four seasons are not that gaudy, playing mostly off a HFF, but it was his semi final against Sydney last September that showed his true potential with 24 disposals and 10 marks. The departure of Bryce Gibbs opens up opportunities for a lot of Carlton players. If the Blues want a like-for-like player starting behind packs and drifting forward with hurt factor, Lang has the biggest upside to play that role. If he starts in midfield in the JLT and looks like staying there, his draft position should vault into middle rounds.
