""Edward was chosen for the scholarship because he fitted the criteri a perfectly,"" Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro said. ""He was unlucky to miss selection at the National draft last season mainly because of his under-developed frame and we believe given the opportunity to come to a professional environment he will develop the skills to become an accomplished AFL player.""
Darcy arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday night from Palmerston, Darwin and will live with Essendon board member Beverly Knight. He will play for the Bombers against Coburg this Saturday afternoon. It is the hope of scholarship patron Michael Long that the program will eventually be adopted by all AFL clubs.
As part of the scholarship Darcy will part-take in work or study during his stay at the club. Darcy is originally from the Tiwi Islands and has played most of his football across half-forward and on the ball. Darcy was a member of the U18 Northern Territory team that played in the National Under 18 Carnival last year and most recently was a member of the 2001/2002 Palmerston premiership side.
More details of this exciting new scholarship program will be launched in the near future - stay tuned to the BomberLand site for the full story.
