West Coast duo Jack Darling and Mark LeCras can't help but have a chuckle when they hear about recent rumblings over their AFL form.
Darling was left surprised a fortnight ago when critics started questioning whether he'd taken a backward step this year.
The 21-year-old has kicked 35 goals in 15 games this season, forming a potent 'twin tower' attack with fellow spearhead Josh Kennedy.
Darling showed what a force he can be last week when he kicked five goals in West Coast's 28-point loss to Fremantle.
The 191cm forward is in just his third AFL season, and felt his form was at least on par to last year's 53-goal effort, when he had to carry the bulk of the goalscoring load due to the lengthy injury absences of Kennedy and LeCras.
"It's just the start of my career, so hopefully I just keep on getting better and better and I'm going to do the work," Darling said.
LeCras was left bemused when people started theorising his goalkicking accuracy had taken a hit due to the arm guard he's been forced to wear for much of the season.
For years, LeCras has been known as one of the best shots on goal in the competition.
From 2007-11, he kicked 252.106.
But since breaking his arm in round one and having to wear a protective cast on his arm, he has returned 23.22.
"I think when I started missing a few, I started that rumour," LeCras said with a laugh about the arm guard theory.
"I cut it down six weeks ago. So it's pretty lightweight. It's not really bothering me at the moment.
"I'll probably have to play with it for the rest of the year. I don't think about it too much."
LeCras missed the entire 2012 campaign with a knee injury, but said he was working his way to peak fitness and touch.
West Coast will be hoping both Darling and LeCras fire in Sunday's crunch clash with Sydney at Patersons Stadium.
The Eagles sit a game adrift of eighth spot, while fourth-placed Sydney are aiming to shore up a double finals chance.
West Coast welcome back key midfielders Sharrod Wellingham and Luke Shuey from injury, while the Swans are still without star players Adam Goodes, Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid.
Share
