Darcy Parish says John Worsfold and Ben Rutten are ‘working well together’
Many have wondered whether Essendon’s succession plan will run smoothly this season but Bombers midfielder Darcy Parish insists the players know who’s in charge.
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Essendon midfielder Darcy Parish says there has been no confusion over respective coaching roles as the Bombers work towards a transition from John Worsfold to Ben Rutten at the end of this season.
Speaking at Essendon’s family day at the Showgrounds, where thousands of fans braved humid conditions, Parish said the club’s recent camp to Coffs Harbour would stand them in good stead heading into the 2020 season.
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“We got a lot out of the camp — a lot about culture and a lot more about our training systems too,” Parish said.
“‘Woosh’ (Worsfold) and ‘Truck’ (Rutten) have been alternating their roles as well and giving feedback. They are working really well together.”
The Bombers announced last September that 2020 would be Worsfold’s last season as senior coach, with highly rated assistant Rutten set to take over the reins in 2021.
While some wondered how smooth the transition would work in practice, Parish said from a players’ perspective, it had been seamless across the course of the pre-season.
“We’ve got a new coaching group as well, along with (assistant coaches) Dan Jordan and Blake Caracella,” he said.
“They have had great impact across the early part of the pre-season and hopefully that will continue into the season.”
Asked if the players were fired-up to end Worsfold’s tenure with the club’s first finals win since 2004, Parish said: “Absolutely”.
“He is 110 per cent with us and he has been working so hard. He’s still bringing that positive mindset to training each week. He was a rock for us when it all started and it has been great working under him,” Parish said.
Essendon looked to be in the midst of an injury crisis late year when it had less than half of its playing list on the training track following setbacks or recent surgeries.
But Parish said the momentum was swinging and he was confident as the club heads towards a Round 1 date with Fremantle.
“There were a few niggles and surgeries at the end of the year, but it has been really positive to see some of the boys return to the group,” he said.
“The boys have been doing the work aside from the training, so they will be ready to go as soon as they come back in.”
Parish said Essendon’s fan base deserved credit for turning out in force for the club’s family day, given the humidity and the sweeping rain.
The 22-year-old, who last year signed a new deal with the Bombers until the end of 2021, enjoyed a strong 2019 season.
“It gave me a lot of confidence,” Parish said of a season in which he played 21 games with a career-best 433 disposals.
“I have had another pre-season under my belt and haven’t missed too much (in terms of sessions). I am feeling really strong and confident.”
Originally published as Darcy Parish says John Worsfold and Ben Rutten are ‘working well together’