Essendon on-baller Darcy Parish has been told he's welcome to explore opportunities at rival clubs.
The Bombers are entering a new era under coach Mark McVeigh, and Parish was informed there are no guarantees he'd be included in the best 23 next year.
According to a report on The Agenda Setters, McVeigh will be looking to prioritise youth in 2027, despite the All-Australian holding a contract for three years.
Given his lucrative deal, which lasts until 2029, it will be difficult to find a suitor for the 179-game player.
Parish has struggled to put a full season together, playing at most 18 games a year for the past five campaigns. This year, he battled with 14 matches, spending a fair chunk in the VFL.
The likes of Sullivan Robey, Dyson Sharp, Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell are expected to shoulder the midfield responsibility.
Veteran Zach Merrett is expected to depart the club and join Hawthorn via the trade period.
Elijah Tsatas was delisted, while Will Setterfield, despite a strong back-half of the season, has an uncertain future.
There's a host of clubs that could use mature-age midfielders.
Adelaide have been on the hunt for an on-baller to help Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine.
Geelong, after missing out on Zak Butters, could turn their attention to Parish, who hails from Winchelsea and played through the Geelong Falcons.
