North Melbourne forward Jack Darling has spoken for the first time since he joined the Kangaroos from West Coast on Monday.
Darling, who played in 298 games and kicked 532 goals for the Eagles, and featured in the 2018 premiership team, is headed east in exchange for a fourth-round selection.
The 32-year-old told AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday that he's not coming to North Melbourne to run down the clock.
"I still feel I've got those seasons in me where I can kick 40 to 50 goals, put on tons of pressure, bash and crash," he said.
"I feel 18 again, like I'm getting drafted … the young energy coming in is something I appreciated at West Coast. I've really bounced off that.
"I'll get around (the Roos' young players) and build some chemistry straight away … I just want to be a part of us growing as a football club."
Darling's connection to the club dates to his prime as a player, with Roos head of football talent Brady Rawlings having spent time at the Eagles as an assistant coach and list manager.
"He knows the way I go about it week-to-week, how I prepare and what I can bring, and they also had some intel from (former Eagles coach) Adam Simpson about how my body is, how I don't really miss a beat during the week," Darling explained.
"They said it would be great for the whole group, and especially the forward line, just to teach craft … but I'm not just here to help the young guys, I want to be a focal point up there with Nick Larkey.
"I'm looking forward to giving absolutely everything to the North Melbourne footy club."
Darling says he's excited to lead up to a midfield featuring All-Australian squad member Harry Sheezel, Rising Star nominees George Wardlaw and Colby McKercher, Syd Barker Medallist Luke Davies-Uniacke and more.
"They've obviously got some good ball users, so I'm looking forward to some good delivery," he said.
"It's an exciting young list and I feel we can climb up the ladder quickly."
A boyhood Eagles fan and a lifelong Perthite, the champion forward is looking forward to a taste of another football culture – and the local coffee scene.
"I'm just excited to try something different … I've lived in the same 10km radius for my whole life, I've been to every cafe, restaurant and playground for the kids," he laughed.
"A change of scenery will be refreshing."
SIGN ON WITH FINN
Join our new No.2 draft pick and bound with us in 2025. Memberships are now available.
JOIN US NOW