Darcy Parish has finally been unleashed in the midfield, and his teammates are loving it.

The silky 23-year-old arrived at the Bombers via pick No.5 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft with the tag as one of the best midfielders available, but spent considerable time up forward in his early career.

A knee injury to Dylan Shiel – and a change in coach in Ben Rutten – has opened the door for the highly rated youngster to make his mark in the engine room. 

Parish's numbers have risen as a consequence, averaging 26.7 disposals and 6.6 clearances, up from 19.2 and 4.2 (albeit with shortened games in 2020).

Andrew McGrath – who as a former No.1 pick knows just how difficult it can be to carry the weight of expectation – is thrilled to now be lining up at centre bounces alongside Parish.

"'Darce' is great. He's probably been held out a little bit in the past few years, just based on opportunity and his development," McGrath said.

"He's played a bit of half-forward, but he's been given that role now that Jye Caldwell (hamstring) and Dylan Shiel have had a little bit of time off with injury." 

A talented midfielder in his junior career, Parish's innate ability to perform in an inside role has gained praise from his fellow teammates, with McGrath saying his attributes can make him a premier follower in the AFL.

"He's taken it with both hands," McGrath said.

"His ferocious attack on the ball, his cleanliness around the contest is really his trademark, and he showed that on Anzac Day (with a best-afield medal) why he can be one of the best midfielders in the comp. 

"He's one of my best mates, I'm so proud of him and how he's developed in the last couple of years, and can't wait to see what he does moving forward."