After more than 600 days away from AFLW football, StreetSmarts SUNS Academy product Daisy D'Arcy is back doing what she does best.
Before an ACL injury interrupted her rise, D'Arcy was producing the best football of her career. The North Queenslander finished as the 2024 Club Champion runner-up, earned AFLPA 22Under22 selection for a second consecutive year and a third SUNS Players' Player honour.
Now, after completing her first full pre-season since 2024, D’Arcy enters the 2026 NAB AFLW season with a fresh perspective and a simple goal.
“I’m not trying to set too many expectations for myself,” the 23-year-old said.
“I'm just trying to go out there and play my part and play my role for the team.
“I want to have fun, enjoy footy and get back to it.”
D'Arcy shared that her rehabilitation journey tested her in ways football never had before.
“It taught me to give myself a bit more credit. It's such a hard journey and it's quite eye-opening to know that your body can do a lot more than you think it can,” D’Arcy said.
“Obviously, I had some setbacks, having a 2nd surgery as well. It taught me a lot, it helped me grow my patience. I wasn't very patient, but I had to be.”
Despite being placed on the inactive list, D’Arcy remained involved around the club and the team in a new role in 2025.
“Every game, my role was on the bench on the players phone which meant I could still be involved and learning at the same time. I'm very grateful for that opportunity,” the defender shared.
“I wanted to try and stay connected as much as I could and try offer some support or advice to the young ones as to what it might be like.
“With the girls having a tough season last year, being able to be there with them and almost share that even though I wasn't out there (was important).”
With 11 new recruits having joined Gold Coast, D’Arcy returns to a backline with a fresh SUNS outfit.
“It feels unreal to be back out there with the girls. The body's feeling old but it's feeling good and I feel fit,” D’Arcy added.
“Pre-season's probably been the best one we've put together and it’s been real fun.
“We've pushed ourselves to the limits and it's cool to know that you can go a lot further than you think.
“As a group we've all locked in on that and obviously it's showing on the field as well.”
The SUNS defender has embraced guiding a new generation of SUNS while continuing to learn alongside them.
“The new girls are fitting in like a glove,” D’Arcy shared.
“It's such a cool bond we're creating. Everyone's young, everyone's got so much energy. I’m just happy to be a part of it again.
“It's like you're learning from them, they're learning from you, so it's pretty good.”
If her pre-season performances are any indication of what’s to come, Gold Coast SUNS fans are set to be in for a treat.
The Round 1 team will be named on Thursday, 13 August ahead of the SUNS season opener against the Western Bulldogs at People First Stadium.
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