It didn’t take long for Darcy Parish to endear himself to the Essendon faithful.

The high prized recruit was secured by the Bombers with the fifth overall pick in last November’s National Draft. 

A two-time All-Australian at under 18 level, the former Geelong Falcon came through the same underage system that has produced Gary Ablett Jnr, Patrick Dangerfield, Luke Hodge and Travis Boak.

Michael Turner, an accomplished AFL player in his own right and member of Geelong’s Team of the Century, is the Region Manager for the Falcons and spoke glowingly of Parish upon his selection.

“He’s got a great attitude, he’s a hard worker, he’s coachable, plays for the team and he obviously wins the football and makes good decisions,” Turner said.

“He doesn’t test extremely high.  He’s probably about average, but the one thing you can’t test is reading the ball.  It’s the same as Dyson Heppell who is a great player because he reads the ball so well.  Darcy is similar to that.

“He makes the decision and reads the play so quickly, he’s gone before the other players have thought about it.  

“He’s as good as any player that has gone through the Falcons and when I say that I mean at the same age.

“As a 17 and 18 year old he’s achieved the same as Jimmy Bartel in being a two-time All-Australian.

“I’m sure as long as he works hard – and I’m sure he will – he’ll turn into an elite AFL player." 

Parish picked up 25 possessions in his debut for the Bombers in round one against Gold Coast.

A week later he kicked the goal that sealed Essendon’s first win of the season against Melbourne.

That 21 disposal and eight tackle effort earned him a Rising Star nomination (an award he would eventually finish fourth in).

Parish played 20 games for the season and averaged 21 disposals.  Only Zach Merrett picked up more contested possessions for the Bombers throughout the season and Parish also finished fourth for tackles.

The 19 year old was one of five Bombers named in the AFLPA’S 22under22 squad and also finished in the top 10 for the Best and Fairest.

Click here to vote for Parish in the 22under22

“Very quickly he had to step up to become one of the main midfielders for us throughout the year,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“His contested ball, his clean hands and his pace to hit the contest and take the ball cleanly was outstanding.”