The importance and significance of Sunday's Country Festival match with Geelong isn't lost on star midfielder Darcy Parish.

Having grown up down in the Victorian regional town of Winchelsea, Parish has a special connection with the annual Country Festival clash.

Parish sees it as a great way to reengage with rural communities who are often dubbed the 'backbone' of Australia.

“It’s great to get back to the community. Everyone has come along with their own story. I grew up in Winchelsea on the farm with my and dad and my three younger brothers,” Parish said.

“I won a flag here in Lara when I was growing up for Winchelsea.

“It’s great to reconnect with the community and build the round all around this.”

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Rd 7 | Parish media conference

Midfielder Darcy Parish chats with the media from Lara Football Club ahead of our Country Round clash against Geelong in round seven.

Parish's name is forever etched in Country Festival game history after claiming a Tom Wills Award for a best on ground performance in the 2021 clash.

The 25-year-old will be hoping to help the Bombers snap a four-game losing streak against Geelong, with the club's last win coming in 2018.

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Rd 16 | Parish wins Tom Wills Award

Midfielder Darcy Parish won the Tom Wills Award, judged to be best afield in our Powercor Country Festival game against Geelong.

With a big challenge awaiting the Dons on Sunday against a Cats side who are on a three-game winning run, Parish is backing in the side’s system and ability to work hard.

“We’re building our own brand at the footy club and have gone down to two really good sides,” Parish said.

“We have been in most of the games this year, we have a chance to respond against another good side in Geelong on the weekend.”