ESSENDON midfielder Darcy Parish is in doubt for the start of the season as the club takes an extra cautious approach with the All-Australian ball-getter.

The Bombers had hoped Parish would be able to face Geelong later this month after battling a back injury since late December.

However, the 27-year-old is now uncertain to be ready for the Bombers' Opening Round clash with Gold Coast on March 8, with Senior Coach Brad Scott conceding Parish was in doubt to face the Suns.

"I'd say that, based on the way that we've managed his back to this point, it hasn't progressed as quickly as we would've liked. He's a dynamic player so when we have pushed him it hasn't responded the way we like. I'd say he's in some doubt," Scott told AFL.com.au.

"He's not completely ruled out at this stage, because it might turn, but he's such an important player for us that we have to make sure we get him right for the long term."

Parish played 12 games last year in an injury-hit campaign and the Bombers had set up a plan for his pre-season this year to ensure his fitness ahead of the home and away season beginning.

He is now the Bombers' main injury concern ahead of the start of the season, with Jordan Ridley (hamstring) and Ben McKay (ankle) expected to face the Cats in the AAMI Community Series before the clash at People First Stadium.

"Darcy has just had a wretched run. He works unbelievably hard, he's probably the type of player who pushes so hard we have to hold him back at times as well. He's a really important part of our midfield and we need him back," he said.

"But when he gets out and trains and pushes, it's probably exacerbated his back issue a little bit. We'll be really conservative with him. But we expect Ridley and McKay to play the second practice game."