Essendon has opted to rest exciting young midfielders Darcy Parish and Kyle Langford from the clash with Sydney on Saturday. 

The talented duo have played every match this season, but Coach John Worsfold wants to freshen up his young players to ensure they are best placed to perform throughout the rest of the year.

“With (Mathew) Stokes and his injury it meant we had to make at least one change but there are a few other changes – a couple of them around looking after some of our younger players who have been really good so far,” Worsfold said. 

“They’re showing a few signs of fatigue so we’ll give them a rest this week.”

Parish picked up the AFL’s Rising Star nomination following the round two victory over Melbourne.

He’s averaged 20 possessions a game and kicked three goals in the opening six rounds.

“He’s obviously a very exciting talent but it’s a long tough season and we’re really pleased with what he’s shown so far,” Worsfold said. 

“It’s just a good opportunity now before he gets too fatigued to give him a rest to freshen up and then we can manage it and keep him up with his training loads which is important.” 

Parish in 2016

Games: 6

Goals: 3

Average disposals: 20.3

Disposal efficiency: 74.6

Average contested possessions: 9.2

Average metres gained: 149.7

Average score involvements: 4.2

Average marks: 2.8

Average tackles: 4.2

Average inside 50’s: 2.3

Average intercept possessions: 2.0 

Langford in 2016

Games: 6

Goals: 3

Average disposals: 15.7

Disposal efficiency: 77.7

Average contested possessions: 3.7

Average metres gained: 224.8

Average score involvements: 4.0

Average marks: 4.2

Average tackles: 3.3

Average inside 50’s: 3.0