Essendon’s Darcy Parish dominated in their side's VFL practice match after being left out of Essendon’s 72-point loss to Greater Western Sydney on Sunday afternoon.
Parish 21, has played 55 games since debuting in Round 1 2016, averaging 20 disposals per game in 2018. He is one of the club’s most exciting players and is expected to be a crucial part of Essendon’s campaign in 2019.
Despite these statistics and comments, Essendon’s round one selection saw young gun Darcy Parish overlooked for the side’s opening game against Greater Western Sydney. Tim Watson, former Essendon captain, was left frustrated by this decision from his old club.
“I am as surprised as everybody else that Darcy Parish can’t be part of that Essendon 22,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“This kid can play. He can really play.
“I think that becomes a philosophical question they need to answer at selection. Mark Baguley as a forward or Parish as a forward, which direction do you want to go in as a team?"
Watson is certain that Essendon need to back Parish in, especially after displaying class and composure in the VFL practice match that saw him kick five goals against Coburg.
“I would be playing Parish every day of the week” Watson said.
In what was a continuation of Essendon’s poor defensive pressure from the JLT series, Essendon will need to dig deep if they wish to redeem themselves against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium this Saturday. Failure to do so may very well see coach John Worsfold become the most pressured coach in the competition.
