AFL

Bombers star Parish turns back on free agency

By AAP Newswire

Aug 31, 2023

Darcy Parish has rejected free agency and given Essendon a significant boost, signing a five-year deal with the Bombers.

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There had been plenty of speculation about Parish's future this season and the midfielder waited until the end of their season to re-commit.

He will now stay until the end of the 2028 season, when Parish will be 31, and follows Mason Redman's decision to also stay at Essendon.

It is some badly-needed good news for Essendon after their woeful end to the season.

After a promising year under new coach Brad Scott, they were in finals contention until GWS humiliated them by 21 goals and Collingwood also smashed them in round 24.

"I couldn't be more excited to be a Bomber for life. I'm fully committed to this club and always will be for them giving me a chance to live out my dream," Parish said in a club statement.

"I have so much belief in this playing group, Brad Scott and our coaches and what we can achieve. I want to be a part of that."

The 2021 All Australian onballer has played 150 games for Essendon since his 2016 debut.

He missed six games this season because of a calf injury.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press