“IT KEEPS me young.”
In a week of surprises, Darcy Vescio’s Carlton teammates had one more in store for the 100-gamer.
It had been realised earlier in the week at IKON Park that Vescio, having achieved so much in the game to this point, had never received the traditional Gatorade shower. Given their first win came in the first game of a new competition, it was just one of those things they’d come to accept.
That was until semi final night at IKON Park, where the Blues - after a Vescio winner, no less - emerged victorious in a gripping encounter to lock in a second consecutive preliminary final.
Receiving a full tub of Gatorade in the middle of the song, Vescio told FOX Footy post-match that maybe the surprise wasn’t the best after all.
“Someone must have told them I’ve never had one before… that was pretty disgusting.
“But I’m still learning and experiencing new things, which is good - it keeps me young.”
The veteran continued to do what Darcy Vescio has always done, producing another match-winning cameo which included two go-ahead goals in the second half as the Blues recorded another come-from-behind win in 2026.
The Blues couldn’t put the Hawks away at IKON Park, in stark contrast to last year’s semi final between these two teams 12 months ago. When the moment came, Vescio knew they needed to take it, and drew on their earliest football lessons to get the job done.
“I was honestly trying to kick the ball sweetly and just connect with the ball. I was having flashbacks to my junior footy, being like ‘You’ve done this so many times. Trust your kick.’”
It’s been quite the week for Vescio and the Blues, who were not only preparing for a semi final but also celebrating the first Blue to reach the 100-game milestone in the AFLW competition.
The humble Vescio said the chance for reflection would soon come, admitting that embracing the love entirely would’ve reduced them to “a puddle of tears”.
“I’ve felt so much love. This week has been really overwhelming.
“I’m just so happy to remain int he game for so long, it’s something I’m really proud of. A few years ago, I saw 100 on the horizon and thought it’d be really special to make it.
“To experience it in a semi final and go through to a prelim, I’m really proud of how hard we’ve worked as a group and that I’m getting to experience this.”
