Bombers re-sign midfield gun after contract drama

Darcy Parish has ended months of speculation by re-committing to Essendon on a five-year deal.

The 26-year-old, who was taken fifth overall by the Bombers in the 2015 draft, has become one of the club's most important midfielders over the last few seasons.

Parish's signature comes just days after his manager, Essendon great Scott Lucas, angered the club by suggesting it had leaked information surrounding his client's contract.

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"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 on Thursday.

"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.

"Thank you to the Bomber faithful for sticking by me. We love the energy and support you provide this team and I'm grateful for your unwavering support.

"The best is yet to come for this team and I'm really looking forward to the future and where we can get to.

"We've got plenty of work to do but we're all excited by the challenge and bringing success to Essendon."

While team success has eluded Parish so far in his career, he has racked up a number of individual accolades, including an All-Australian jacket and an Anzac Day Medal.

He played 18 games in 2023 and averaged a team-high 30.8 disposals and 7.7 clearances per contest.

Parish is one of two big retentions for Essendon this year after star defender Mason Redman also recommitted to the club on a long-term deal.

Redman, Parish, star forward Peter Wright and club captain Zach Merrett are all locked in at Essendon through the 2027 season.