Following a career-best season in the red and gold, Darcy Macpherson has capped off his year with a podium finish in the SUNS’ Club Champion. 

Macpherson shot out to an early lead before holding off 2018 Club Champion Jarrod Harbrow to win third place by a single vote.

The 21-year-old for the first time played every game of the 2019 season and has put his consistency down to meticulous preparation prior to Round 1.

“Preparation and a good pre-season under my belt under Alex Rigby and the physio staff led by Lindsay Bull (helped me this year),” Macpherson told SUNS Media. 

“Just getting the body right and knowing what an AFL player needs to do each and every week to get up for a game and to just keep backing it up, that’s what I put it down to.”

Prior to this year, Macpherson had never finished in the top 10 in the club’s Best and Fairest after being upgraded off the rookie list last season.

His form this year rewarded the faith shown in him, with the 39-gamer playing more minutes than ever in the midfield. 

“I never expected to be top three at the SUNS but I exceeded expectations and I’m really grateful for the award,” Macpherson said.

“I got nervous, my back end of the year was good but then the last few games I went a bit quiet. 

“But it was good to hold on and get that third spot so I’m rapt.

“I always saw myself as a little midfield type that can give heaps to the team, so yeah it was good to go forward, go mid and contribute.”

With a well-earned break on the immediate schedule, Macpherson has already locked himself in to go bigger and better next year.

“The sky’s the limit,” he said.

“I’m really excited for the 2020 season, there’s no limits for me.

“Another big pre-season will be awesome with a great group of blokes who I love running out with every week.”