Footy great Luke Darcy has made a rare return to the world of AFL media with a surprise appearance on Triple M before Friday night’s game in Adelaide.
The former Channel 7 star and radio host walked away from his high profile media career at the end of the 2024 season after becoming embroiled in a series of ugly, public squabbles — predominantly with Kane Cornes.
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The Western Bulldogs legend has stayed well away from the spotlight since his decision to give up on his TV and radio roles, but returned to his former show, Triple M’s Friday Huddle, to speak with his former colleagues, including Damian Barrett, Jason Dunstall, Nathan Brown and Mark Howard.
Calling in to the show, the 50-year-old sounded a very different media personality to the one that departed the industry in 2024.
Darcy, who played 226 games for the Dogs before beginning his retirement in 2007, told his former colleagues he has been enjoying the next chapter of his life.
The segment took a turn straight away when Darcy joked about rumours Brown has considered a move into politics after he met with former Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin last year.
“(I am) Just trying to stay out of people’s way these days and live a very quiet life,” he said.
“I don’t listen to a lot these days, but word has filtered back to me, that my great mate Nate 08 is going to save Victoria and I thought I just have to come on to check if that is true.
“Firstly, I’m right behind it. I’m happy to put a billboard of your face right in front of my house.”
When asked bluntly by Barrett if Darcy “missed” the panel, Darcy responded: “Not a lot, Damo.
“I don’t miss the sound of my own voice. It’s nice to sit at the footy and watch and enjoy the next chapter of my life.”
When asked by Dunstall if he really missed the business, Darcy was more serious, saying: “Well Chief (Dunstall), to be serious the fun part is hanging out with people you have a lot of fun with over a long period of time. That part is great. I loved it. Very fortunate to have done it for 15 years with you guys. That part was great.
“I was probably just looking forward to this next chapter. There’s a few things that I’ve had my eye on for a while. It’s nice to be able to (step away) when you feel like the timing is right to leave and go out on your own terms.
“I was probably a live chance to get sacked sooner or later, so I probably got out before that all happened.
“I genuinely miss that part of it. The privilege of sitting in the commentary box was never lost on me, but I’m enjoying this chapter as well.”
It was reported at the time Darcy wanted to prioritise his family’s array of business interests, including a wellness spa in Bali, pubs and venues in Victoria and a podcast he continues to host.
The show did not dance around the most prickly subject — Darcy’s feud with Cornes.
“Have you sat down with our mate Kane O and had a chat about what went on last year and smooth the waters and hang out Darce,” Howard asked.
An even-tempered Darcy responded: “That hasn’t crossed my mind to be honest Howie.
“I haven’t thought about that. I don’t think about these things any more. It’s not my industry.
“I’m very grateful for the time I’ve had, but that one’s over to you guys now. You can handle all that.
“There’s a much more mellow, relaxed side of me now. I don’t tend to get worried about those sorts of things any more.”
Barrett cut in before Darcy’s answer to say: “Don’t waste your time”.
Darcy’s vanishing act from being one of the most recognised faces in footy media was perfectly summed up by his superstar son Sam, who said after the team’s win over the Giants last week he didn’t know where his father would be.
Channel 7’s Abbey Holmes prompted Sam by saying, “He likes to hide doesn’t he”.
Sam responded: “He does. I didn’t even know he was coming to the game last week and I saw him in the rooms last week and I saw him in the rooms after.
“He does keep a pretty low profile these days now that he’s finished with the media. He’s hiding at the back of the rooms somewhere now.
“He likes to stay away from the spot light.”
Darcy remains a powerful voice on the Western Bulldogs board of directors. His podcast ‘Empowering Leaders’ has also proved popular with listeners.
His media career ended in fiery fashion with Cornes claiming victory in the public war of words.
In April, 2024, Darcy confronted Cornes during a live Triple M radio segment, infamously labelling the former Port Adelaide midfielder “more mean spirited and nasty to people than anyone in the history of our industry”.
