Jack Darling: Champion West Coast Eagles forward tells club he wants to be traded to North Melbourne Kangaroos

Veteran forward Jack Darling has told West Coast he’d like to finish his career at North Melbourne, requesting a trade to the Alastair Clarkson-coached side this off-season. Darling had a medical and met with Kangaroos officials and players earlier this week after it was revealed they were willing to extend his career beyond next season. The 2018 premiership forward is contracted at the Eagles for next season — on a deal reportedly worth about $800,000 — but has wanted to play beyond 2025. It is believed North Melbourne are willing to offer Darling a multi-year deal to head to Arden Street and partner Nick Larkey in the forward line. The Eagles confirmed the Darling had formally requested a trade to North Melbourne. “The club will now work with North Melbourne towards facilitating that request during next month’s trade period,” the club confirmed. Darling will fall short of becoming the second Eagle to play 300 games, departing with 298 games and 532 goals sitting behind only Shannon Hurn (333 games) and Josh Kennedy (712 goals). The 32-year-old was dropped for the first time in his career this year and finished the year with a career-low 22 goals in 21 games Reports are that the Kangaroos will part way with a fourth-round pick — currently at No.64 — for the veteran which will clear valuable cap and list space for West Coast. “I’m just trying to... extend my career, and look, if that’s another two or three years at North, I think that would suit me and my family well,” he told 10 News at Perth Airport on Tuesday. “It is (a tough decision) but I know I’ll play 300-plus (AFL) games. My body is all good, so I’m durable, so it should be no worries.” It comes just weeks after premiership defender Tom Barrass requested a trade to Hawthorn, despite having three years to run on his deal. The Eagles are set to make moves on their list this week, with wingman Andrew Gaff the only certain departure after he retired.