Young SUNS AFLW star Daisy D’Arcy isn’t letting a bittersweet ending to the 2024 season dampen her spirits.

D’Arcy suffered a ruptured ACL in the club’s penultimate game of the 2024 AFLW season with a long road to recovery now on the agenda.

In trademark fashion though, the 21-year-old is staying in a positive state of mind.

“Obviously with this knee injury, it’s got its pros and cons. It’s exciting to see how I can develop as an individual. Looking at people that have gone through it before and seeing how much stronger they’ve come out of it,” D’Arcy said.

The Townsville product is using teammate Sienna McMullen, who recently spent the 2024 season on the inactive list rehabilitating from the same injury, as inspiration.

“Seeing Sienna win Most Professional, I think that’s just truly inspirational, especially as an 18-year-old. It just makes me excited for the future. It’s not the best, but it’s up to me to make it, whether it is or not.”

D’Arcy capped off a career-best season in SUNS colour, becoming the first player to win the club’s Players’ Player award for a third time in just five seasons, also securing a third career podium finish in the Club Champion race.

While the season didn’t produce the on-field results the SUNS desired, D’Arcy is optimistic about what the group can produce.

“This season is not a reflection of the talent we have in the group, so the future to come is really exciting.

“I think it was, if anything, a really good learning experience. It’s never easy not winning games but coming through my first year when we didn’t win any, it’s helped me develop as a human and a player.”

Enjoying some down time with friends and family before turning attention to her rehab is next on the cards.

“I’ve got the opportunity to hang out with my mates and wander around,” D’Arcy added.

“Then it’s surgery time. From there, that’s where it starts. Pre-season starts at the end of the month, so let’s go.”