Watching Jack Darling impose himself on elite football, with all the dexterity and guile of a veteran, it’s easy to forget that his burgeoning career is in its infancy.

Maybe that’s because he came to the club as a ‘man/child’ and has impacted games virtually from his debut. Immediately he came into the system he impressed with his energy, his defensive elements and his athleticism.

And on Saturday night against Port, he produced one of his finest.

Still just 21 years of age, but with 77 games behind him, Darling’s vitality across half-forward was one of the most eye-catching displays of his career.

His capacity to compete equally adeptly in the air and on the ground makes him a difficult opponent to counter and he was brilliant. He had 19 possessions and eight marks, 11 of those possessions in the contest.

Just as significant in his game are the defensive elements and he laid three tackles and applied eight pressure acts. 

Darling rounded out his game with a couple of goals – and could have had a couple more – but provided great energy and focus for his midfield. For much of the night he had Port’s Irish defender Cameron O’Shea and Tom Jonas to contend with but he was a clear winner of his personal battle.