Essendon midfielder Darcy Parish in doubt for Opening Round after another injury

One of Essendon’s star midfielders is racing the clock to be fit for the start of the AFL season after suffering another setback.

Essendon midfielder Darcy Parish is in doubt for Opening Round as his “wretched run” with injury continues.

Parish suffered a back injury in December and has not recovered as well as the Bombers had hoped he would.

The 27-year-old played just 12 games in 2024, his lowest season tally since he was drafted, due to an unrelenting calf issue.

Bombers coach Brad Scott told AFL.com.au that Parish was “not completely ruled out” but said the club would take a cautious approach.

“I’d say that, based on the way that we’ve managed his (Parish) back to this point, it hasn’t progressed as quickly as we would’ve liked,” Scott said.

“He’s a dynamic player, so when we have pushed him it hasn’t responded the way we like – I’d say he’s in some doubt.

“He’s not completely ruled out at this stage, because it might turn, but he’s such an important player for us that we have to make sure we get him right for the long term.”

Darcy Parish is in doubt for Opening Round. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Parish has had difficulty matching the heights of his career-best 2021, a year in which he won the Anzac Day Medal and was named an All-Australian.

Scott said Parish was an important part of Essendon’s midfield and the club needed him back fit.

“Darcy has just had a wretched run. He works unbelievably hard, he’s probably the type of player who pushes so hard we have to hold him back at times as well,” he said.

“He’s a really important part of our midfield and we need him back.

“But when he gets out and trains and pushes, it’s probably exacerbated his back issue a little bit. We’ll be really conservative with him.”

The Bombers are heading into Opening Round against Gold Coast relatively healthy aside from Parish, with Jordan Ridley (hamstring) and Ben McKay (angle) recovering from their respective injuries well.

Originally published as Essendon midfielder Darcy Parish in doubt for Opening Round after another injury