AFL.com.au understands Darley, who played only four games for the Giants this year, will either join the Bulldogs through a swap of a late draft picks (most likely the Dogs' pick 78), or in next month's NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.

 

He can also join the club through the delisted free agency window, which will open on November 1.

 

Darley joined the Giants three years ago as one of the 17-year-olds the club had access to when building its list, but has struggled to find a consistent spot in the fledgling side over the past two seasons.

 

The 20-year-old, who is out of contract at the Giants, played nine games in 2012, including a career-best 20-possession effort against Adelaide.

 

The former Tasmanian follows Shaun Edwards and Kurt Aylett as young Giants to depart the club, with defender Josh Bruce also likely to leave.

 

Darley's likely acquisition will cap a strong period for the Dogs, who on Thursday finally signed forward Stewart Crameri after drawn-out negotiations with Essendon were sealed.