Darcy Parish will don the sash until at least 2028 after putting pen to paper on a new contract.  

The 26-year-old midfielder has recommitted to the Bombers after being one of the AFL’s top free agents this year.

A key cog in the Bombers' midfield, Parish said the potential of the Bombers' list was influential in him committing to the club. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a Bomber for life. I’m fully committed to this club and always will be for them giving me a chance to live out my dream,” Parish said.

“I have so much belief in this playing group, Brad Scott and our coaches and what we can achieve. I want to be a part of that.”

Parish joins Zach Merrett, Mason Redman and Peter Wright in committing to the Bombers until at least the end of 2027.

The Geelong Falcons product has played 150 games since being selected by Essendon with pick No.5 in the 2015 National Draft.

Bursting onto the scene and immediately making an impact, Parish made his debut in round one of 2016, before putting in a performance worthy of a NAB Rising Star Nomination in his second game.

Since then, Parish has gone on to establish an impressive resume across his eight seasons, with 2021 being a standout year where he earned All Australian selection, was named the runner-up at the Crichton Medal, while also taking home the Anzac Day Medal, Yiooken Award and Tom Wills Medal.

Across his 18 games this season, Parish is ranked as one of the elite midfielders in the AFL, placing first in average centre clearances per game, second in inside 50s per game and equal third in disposals per game.

For Parish, the privilege of playing in front of and representing the red and black army is the most motivating factor.

“Thank you to the Bomber faithful for sticking by me. We love the energy and support you provide this team and I’m grateful for your unwavering support,” Parish said.

“The best is yet to come for this team and I'm really looking forward to the future and where we can get to.

“We’ve got plenty of work to do but we’re all excited by the challenge and bringing success to Essendon.”

GM of List and Recruiting Adrian Dodoro said the new deal reflects the midfielder's status in the game.

"We are thrilled to have Darcy commit to the club until at least 2028. His signature is a great endorsement for the direction the club is heading, and the vision has been validated by our two stars, Parish and Redman. This is a really strong moment for our whole club," Dodoro said.

"Over his career, Darcy has demonstrated how dangerous he can be throughout our midfield and will be a key pillar of our side for years to come. But we believe his best football is ahead of him and we look forward to seeing that growth.

"This deal is a testament to Darcy and how much he loves Essendon and his commitment to seeing the club succeed."