FREMANTLE youngster Darcy Tucker says he has exceeded even his boldest expectations in terms of games played in his first season at the Dockers.
Tucker, 19, was the Dockers' first pick (No.27) in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
The Dockers' recent success has made it hard for teenagers to play on a regular basis in their first season with most playing only a handful of games.
Lachie Neale had been the only teenager to reach double figures in terms of games played in their first season under coach Ross Lyon but Tucker has already played nine this year.
The Victorian youngster said he never expected to play this many.
"Coming to the club, obviously knowing the history of Fremantle, I was wanting to get one or two games," Tucker said.
"So to get the opportunity I have this year is very good for me and my personal development."
Mature-age first-year defender Sam Collins, 22, has played 10 games this season. Tucker said the number of injuries to key personnel and the team's poor performances had helped him gain an opportunity.
But Lyon has also made Tucker earn his games. He played well in the first game of the NAB Challenge before suffering a minor knee problem. He had to wait until round five to get an opportunity and he's twice been sent back to the WAFL to find some touch.
The wingman has working closely with Dockers development coach Anthony Rock and teammates Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce.
"Players like that I'm trying to emulate my game on and you learn stuff from players like that every day at training," Tucker said.
"The same with the inside midfielders like David Mundy. They're really good leaders for me to look up to."
Tucker said he has also taken note of Nat Fyfe's dedication to his training.
"Even though he's been injured I think it stands out to everyone, the whole world, just his professionalism and how he goes about it," Tucker said.
"That's something that has blown me away this year. Even now when he's in rehab he's still working just as hard as anyone and I reckon he'll come back better than ever."
Tucker said he was also keen to be part of Peel Thunder's pursuit of a first-ever WAFL premiership once the AFL season was finished after playing nine games with Peel this season.
"It's very exciting to get an opportunity in the WAFL finals," Tucker said.
"It's just another opportunity to improve. That's really exciting for me and the other younger players as well and I hope we get to go deep into WAFL finals."
Tucker was speaking at the Dockers' annual AJ Diamond bravery awards where the club honours six children who have shown bravery in the face of serious long-term health battles.
