However, he turned that around in the third quarter and finished the game with 7 marks, 12 disposals and a goal, playing a pivotal role in helping West Coast achieve a remarkable comeback.

[6] Shortly after the conclusion of West Coast's 2024 season, Darling requested a trade to North Melbourne, where he had been offered a 2 year contract.

[8][9] Whilst Darling predominantly played in the forward line early in his career, from 2014 onwards, he enjoyed stints in the midfield where he prospered in a tall half-forward role.

His athleticism and endurance allow him to regularly find space from his opponents throughout the course of a game, and he continually strives to make himself a viable marking target inside his team's forward 50.

Darling has a black belt in martial arts and taekwondo,[11] and often performs rapid lunges to propel himself from the ground using his hips and torso.