The Cobden export is expected to stand tall as the Dockers' main big man following Aaron Sandilands' retirement.

Darcy, who has been training in tandem with fellow tall Rory Lobb, said the duo's battles were improving his game.

"(Lobb) is a quality player and he definitely pushes me around, I've got to chase him around," he said.

"He just improves me. It's been really good, this pre-season, I've enjoyed it.

"I've worked closely with Rory. I've been trying to pick his running patterns and stuff like that, trying to improve as much as I can."

Darcy expected to spend more time on-ball than forward.

"I think (Lobb) will play a little bit more forward, that's sort of his main position," he said.

"It might be a case of 60-40 or 70-30 in terms of time spent.

"I sort of like doing more ruck than forward, that's definitely my preferred position.

"That's all for the coaches, but the way we've talked, it looks a bit that way."

Darcy, who grew up in South Purrumbete, said Sandilands, who coaches part-time at Fremantle, was still a strong influence on his game.

"It's not really too different, it's all really hard," Darcy said.

"You've got to get your head down and start working from day one.

"(Ararat's Lloyd Meek) is doing rehab and is working hard to get back so it's literally been just myself and Lobby in the ruck.

"But I've still got Aaron because he comes in, pushes me and really trains against me every Wednesday.

"He hasn't let go of that - he still has that competitive edge."

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