Young Essendon star Darcy Parish says it was immensely satisfying to win in gritty fashion against Sydney at the MCG on Saturday.

The 10-point victory has seen the Bombers rise into the top eight on the ladder – at least temporarily – and although it wasn’t particularly pretty, it was another impressive display of the side’s will to win.

The clash was marred by errors from both sides to three-quarter time, but the Bombers were able to bust the game open in the final term with four goals to the Swans’ two to record the important win.

Parish admitted it wasn’t a pretty win, but he was pleased with the way the Dons stuck to their plan and battled to the line.

“It was a pretty scrappy affair from both sides and we sort of played into their hands a little bit,” Parish said post-game.

“We weren’t happy with our composure and our skill level going forward, but they’re the games you want to win and it was really good by the boys to really grind that one out and come home with the win, which is nice.

“We just got back to our way (in the last term) and that’s our blitz around the footy and really taking the game on with our run and our speed.

“It was great to come home strongly like that and get the win.”

Parish once again staked his claim to be one of the league’s most exciting emerging midfielders, continuing his career-best form with an outstanding effort on the ball.

His contribution in the contest was crucial in the absence of inspirational captain Dyson Heppell (who was a late withdrawal due to a sore foot), and he said getting down and dirty in the packs is when he shines the brightest.

“I guess that’s my game; in the contest, I love being in and around there,” he said.

“We lost ‘Hepp’ in this game, but everyone stood up and played their role. He was a massive loss for us, but it was awesome to get that job done.”

Darcy Parish’s fine form continued for the Bombers on Saturday. (Image: AFL Photos)

The 21-year-old was particularly impressive in the final quarter when the game was there to be won and he finished the game with 22 disposals, nine contested possessions, six clearances and a vital last-quarter goal. 

Parish has now booted nine goals from his last nine games and he said it has been nice to get the reward for his hard work.

“It’s something I’ve been working on, I’ve been playing a lot down forward and making an impact down there when I am down there, so it’s been nice to get on the scoreboard occasionally.”

Parish is just one member of the club’s exciting brigade of young midfielders who have proven their worth in recent weeks and they were terrific again when the game was on the line against the Swans.

Andrew McGrath (21 disposals and five inside 50s) and late inclusion Kyle Langford (17 disposals, five tackles and a goal), among others, joined Parish in helping lift the Bombers over the line and the onballer says it is nice to be a part of the young group.

“We’ve got a great little group in there that brings a lot of energy and intent around the ball, so hopefully we can just keep strong together, really build on our consistency throughout the team and hold our spots.”

Essendon faces yet another big challenge against an in-form North Melbourne outfit at Marvel Stadium next Saturday, but Parish says the side is up to the test.

“North is in some good form as well, so it will be a tough little battle for us, but we’re up for it and hopefully we can continue to build.”