AFL Player # 3: Darcy Parish

[Beerfish]

Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent 2028 or 2029
My Boy Draft 2024: Pick 18, doug85

 

[ant555]

its not just defensive work though, its what he does when he doesnt have the ball whether its in attack or defence.
Went to a lot more games this year than previous years and it was a bit of an eye opener watching the guys up the field.

Early in the year when we were up and about it was built of the back of guys like Duursma/Caldwell/Martin/Durham/merrett and their 2nd efforts/gut running. Despite having poor marking tall options on the wings /rucks these guys were always on the move trying to give an option for our defenders and our ball movement looked better because of that.

Conversely back half of the year it stood out like dogs balls in the crows/swans games how little guys like Parish and to lesser extent Shiel worked to lose their man and give an option when our backline was under immense pressure.
Guys like Kelly/Mckay/Lav/McGrath copped the brunt of the criticism for their slow movement out of the backline but as much blame needs to be given to the players up the ground who stand around like witches hats unless the ball is within 5/10 meters of them, Parish was one of the biggest offenders in this regard.

And he has not been fit enough in the last two seasons to get from contest to contest like he was. When he has had that fitness his defensive effort was okay. He is a ball hunter so it is never going to be great.
You can not judge this year. He never got going and Scott should never have played him in the back end when he came back from injury.
I have been as critical as anyone but he did improve to a level you could work with. Last two seasons he has just lost that endurance edge which has effected both sides of hi game.

 

[joey_jo_jo]

And he has not been fit enough in the last two seasons to get from contest to contest like he was. When he has had that fitness his defensive effort was okay. He is a ball hunter so it is never going to be great.
You can not judge this year. He never got going and Scott should never have played him in the back end when he came back from injury.
I have been as critical as anyone but he did improve to a level you could work with. Last two seasons he has just lost that endurance edge which has effected both sides of hi game.

if thats the case then yes agree Scott shouldnt have played him in the 22 let alone as one of the key cogs in the midfield.

This is the issue that really puzzles me with Scott, with some players he shows patience, keeps them in the two's till they work on weaknesses/get back to full fitness (see Shiel/Setterfield) but then Parish is thrown straight in to the seniors.
Our midfield group has a lot more depth than it used to, I dont think we are that reliant on Parish and he isnt an A grade matchwinner that can still make a contribution running around at 70% fitness.

 

[rusman]

On the positive side. There were a few times this year I thought his kick was better. Gives me hope like mcgrath that there’s been improvement on that end.

 

[ant555]

if thats the case then yes agree Scott shouldnt have played him in the 22 let alone as one of the key cogs in the midfield.

This is the issue that really puzzles me with Scott, with some players he shows patience, keeps them in the two's till they work on weaknesses/get back to full fitness (see Shiel/Setterfield) but then Parish is thrown straight in to the seniors.
Our midfield group has a lot more depth than it used to, I dont think we are that reliant on Parish and he isnt an A grade matchwinner that can still make a contribution running around at 70% fitness.

Does not really puzzle me. There are always going to be selections that people do not agree with to start with. Then you have situations like Parish v Shiel / Setterfield that you mention. You have to remember this is not a coach who put his hand up to coach Essendon and came with some sort of in depth knowledge of the list or a plan. We chased him until he thought , you know what I do want to coach again and he then said yes. What has happened is exactly what you would expect to see from a coach who spent the first year looking at the football program and working a plan for what he was going to change going into 2024. Throw in the fact that Essendon people would have been giving him the cool aid to drink and here we are. No he should not have been picked in front of Hobbs late in the season. That was an error.

I agree Parish is not a star. I have said a number of times what he does can be replaced. What I do not agree with is the fact that people are writing him off based on the last 2 years when he has clearly had injury issues. If he is fit he is a very good clearance player and when he is fit and getting from contest to contest his defensive issues do not stand out as much.

 

[Rick Ross]

A message for those suggesting Parish isn't (at least) a good player.
Bought to you from Parish's 2021 AA blazer.

 

[dank420_]

See this is what happens when you bump threads. The same shit everyone posted a month ago.

 

[boncer34]

See this is what happens when you bump threads. The same shit everyone posted a month ago.

I think his defensive works really improved the last 4 weeks.

 

[joey_jo_jo]

A message for those suggesting Parish isn't (at least) a good player.
Bought to you from Parish's 2021 AA blazer.

View attachment 2160868

I'm not saying he isn't good, I just think he is a B grade not A grade/elite player and isn't a "must select" player.
He has one amazing skill but a number of areas he needs to work on, also with his amazing skill it's only effective when it's 6-6-6 or if we have a big guy like setters/stringer taking physical pressure off him. I'm not sure that's great for team balance so I think we would he better served playing mids with more balance to their game and more capable of absorbing physical pressure/applying defensive pressure (even if their clearance work isn't at same level of his).

 

[Old Campaigner]

I’d still trade him

 

[Rick Ross]

I'm not saying he isn't good, I just think he is a B grade not A grade/elite player and isn't a "must select" player.
He has one amazing skill but a number of areas he needs to work on, also with his amazing skill it's only effective when it's 6-6-6 or if we have a big guy like setters/stringer taking physical pressure off him. I'm not sure that's great for team balance so I think we would he better served playing mids with more balance to their game and more capable of absorbing physical pressure/applying defensive pressure (even if their clearance work isn't at same level of his).

I think there’s plenty who agree with this and it sure ain’t crazy talk.

As a club needing better players in a range of positions and roles, surely we’re a better team fitting him in (when he’s fit).

Especially with bench, injuries, different set ups for different scenarios, role adaptability across the midfield group, etc.

 

[Keystone agony]

I’d still trade him

No point selling low

He still offers exceptional groundball like Neale and Naicos, hes also exceptionally clean. Pretty dynamic when hes fit/confident aswell

Keep challenging him to defend now we have the ability to replace him due to Caldwell and Durham coming on. His spot isnt as safe and at worst hes a very good 4th rotating midfielder

I liked seeing the videos of him standing up in tackles and breaking them with jiu jitsu trainers

 

[jdstorm]

Mid mix this year is going to be very competitive for the first time in a long time.

Assuming 5 mids + Mid/Forward is the initial plan. Merrett will be M1 then we will need at least 2 Medium or bigger mids (Durham/Tsatas/Setters/????) and then 2 of Caldwell, Parish, Sheil, Hobbs)

Going to be a very dynamic VFL midfield if guys can’t find another position

 

[Keystone agony]

Mid mix this year is going to be very competitive for the first time in a long time.

Assuming 5 mids + Mid/Forward is the initial plan. Merrett will be M1 then we will need at least 2 Medium or bigger mids (Durham/Tsatas/Setters/????) and then 2 of Caldwell, Parish, Sheil, Hobbs)

Going to be a very dynamic VFL midfield if guys can’t find another position

If were truly taking a step back which has been signalled then i think Zerrett off half back to allow development into Tsatas and Hobbs as mids to find out if theyre good enough or not. Also potentially finds out a bit about Zerrett aswell, a half back role imo could well see an expanded career compared to onball

Hobbs and Tsatas 2025 performance likely plays a big part in determining what we do in the 2025 off season and going forward from there

Setters and Shiel should be the ones playing VFL

The main 4 Tsatas, Durham, Caldwell, Parish mix with Hobbs as the 5th mid/fwd all of a sudden doesnt look bad for size and could be a good mix still there for say 2027

 

[jdstorm]

If were truly taking a step back which has been signalled then i think Zerrett off half back to allow development into Tsatas and Hobbs as mids to find out if theyre good enough or not. Also potentially finds out a bit about Zerrett aswell, a half back role imo could well see an expanded career compared to onball

Hobbs and Tsatas 2025 performance likely plays a big part in determining what we do in the 2025 off season and going forward from there

Setters and Shiel should be the ones playing VFL

The main 4 Tsatas, Durham, Caldwell, Parish mix with Hobbs as the 5th mid/fwd all of a sudden doesnt look bad for size and could be a good mix still there for say 2027

Does Roberts not deserve development off HB? I think they are just going to have to go with a play the best players approach and let injuries work things out.

 

[Agronomus]

He looked cooked earlier in the year after he came back the first time. He looked sluggish and like he had lost the ability to put in repeat efforts. There was definitely a fitness issue but you can't deny that his ability to do the defensive stuff is one of his weaknesses. He needs to be super-fit because his deficiencies seem to become more apparent when he is underdone.

Hopefully a big pre-season and a better run with injury.

I'm not saying he isn't good, I just think he is a B grade not A grade/elite player and isn't a "must select" player.
He has one amazing skill but a number of areas he needs to work on, also with his amazing skill it's only effective when it's 6-6-6 or if we have a big guy like setters/stringer taking physical pressure off him. I'm not sure that's great for team balance so I think we would he better served playing mids with more balance to their game and more capable of absorbing physical pressure/applying defensive pressure (even if their clearance work isn't at same level of his).

Isn't his good clearance work off the back of others blocking for him and not trying to win the ball themselves? Maybe we also need to get someone to chase for him as well?

 

[ant555]

Isn't his good clearance work off the back of others blocking for him and not trying to win the ball themselves? Maybe we also need to get someone to chase for him as well?

You are really saying this ? who have we had that has consistently blocked in the midfield ? Say what you want about his defensive side and ball watching and non chasing but the fact is in 2021 - 2022 - 2023 he was rated elite in Center Clearance. Stoppage Clearance. Ground Ball Gets and we where not blocking for him all the time. If there is one thing he is really good at it is reading the ball at clearance quicker than most. He is not big enough to power out of stoppage which is why he needs a block but he is an elite reader of the footy clearance wise.
Like I said for me he is a B grade with one elite tallent. He is a ball hunter so his defense will never be strong and he could be replaced but to knock his clearance ability is wrong. If he did not have that he would be D grade which showed this year when he was not fit enough to play at his top level.

 

[Darealrath]

Still rate him highly and I don't see why his style can't work well with the likes of Durham and Caldwell in the middle.

One thing I'd like to see him improve over summer is getting some more penetration on his kicking. Not in terms of distance but velocity. His kicks come off his boot like he is wearing rain soaked runners which makes it so much easier for the opposition.

 

[Keystone agony]

Does Roberts not deserve development off HB? I think they are just going to have to go with a play the best players approach and let injuries work things out.

Injuries will play a part

But you need a plan if they dont

Roberts can still have a spot down back and coincide with Zerrett. He can also play on the wing

The back 7 can easily be

Mckay, Reid, Ridley, Mcgrath, Redman, Zerrett, A.Roberts

Tsatas and Hobbs havnt been given opportunity and there in years 3 and 4 as top 13 picks. Theyre priority

 

[jdstorm]

Injuries will play a part

But you need a plan if they dont

Roberts can still have a spot down back and coincide with Zerrett. He can also play on the wing

The back 7 can easily be

Mckay, Reid, Ridley, Mcgrath, Redman, Zerrett, A.Roberts

Tsatas and Hobbs havnt been given opportunity and there in years 3 and 4 as top 13 picks. Theyre priority

Personally I think that defence is too small. I’d want to fit in Cox/Hayes and have Ridley in that “D4/Medium Defender/Sweeper” role. Lots of younger players on the list who deserve opportunities.

I think that there’s a lot of younger guys who need minutes and deserve opportunities. They should get a real chance and not be held out for arbitrary reasons. However you can’t preach a merit based selection process and not pick the most deserving in form players.

So it’s a good problem to have. Should raise training standards.

 

[ant555]

Personally I think that defence is too small. I’d want to fit in Cox/Hayes and have Ridley in that “D4/Medium Defender/Sweeper” role. Lots of younger players on the list who deserve opportunities.

I think that there’s a lot of younger guys who need minutes and deserve opportunities. They should get a real chance and not be held out for arbitrary reasons. However you can’t preach a merit based selection process and not pick the most deserving in form players.

So it’s a good problem to have. Should raise training standards.

As a defender Cox will always be a 200cm medium flanker. He does not have the body to play KP.

 

[jdstorm]

As a defender Cox will always be a 200cm medium flanker. He does not have the body to play KP.

Not sure I buy that. I’m a big NBA follower and there’s a bunch of mobile 7ft guys who can manage to play C with enough strength work. Hope Cox gets there.

In terms of Cox I think his best position seems to be swingman 3rd tall who can play 2nd tall when the big guys rest.

Basically if McKay, Reid, Cox, Ridley share those D1-3 spots that’s about 75% game time each. Probably pump that up to 85% if Ridley plays say 40% D4(Medium Defender/Loose man)

I think that’s my initial preferd setup but see what happens over pre season. There’s always surprises

 

[ant555]

Not sure I buy that. I’m a big NBA follower and there’s a bunch of mobile 7ft guys who can manage to play C with enough strength work. Hope Cox gets there.

In terms of Cox I think his best position seems to be swingman 3rd tall who can play 2nd tall when the big guys rest.

Look with your eyes. This is not basketball anyway. The physicality is not the same. Like Peter Wright he is not a strong guy.

 

[jdstorm]

Look with your eyes. This is not basketball anyway. The physicality is not the same. Like Peter Wright he is not a strong guy.

Gonna be a big year for him (Cox) for sure. If he doesn’t cement himself in a role it’s about time to move him on.

best spot is probably a 3rd tall swingman but not really required at Essendon with Ridley/ Langford being primary 3rd talls and Jones covering there in the front half from wing.

So he either makes it as KPD3 or he’s out. I’m hopeful that 4 months lifting weights gets him where he needs to be which is a touch more bulk and wiry strong.

 

[ant555]

Gonna be a big year for him (Cox) for sure. If he doesn’t cement himself in a role it’s about time to move him on.

best spot is probably a 3rd tall swingman but not really required at Essendon with Ridley/ Langford being primary 3rd talls and Jones covering there in the front half from wing.

So he either makes it as KPD3 or he’s out. I’m hopeful that 4 months lifting weights gets him where he needs to be which is a touch more bulk and wiry strong.

What is wrong with having a 200cm flanker ? He has the skill set. Why does he have to be KP ?
Ridley has injury issues. Jones has proven nothing yet.
He has already done an injury lifting too many weights.
It is a big year for him for sure but my view is he does not have to make it in a KP. He can become a very different match up as a flanker if he can get to his full potential.

 

[jdstorm]

What is wrong with having a 200cm flanker ? He has the skill set. Why does he have to be KP ?
Ridley has injury issues. Jones has proven nothing yet.
He has already done an injury lifting too many weights.
It is a big year for him for sure but my view is he does not have to make it in a KP. He can become a very different match up as a flanker if he can get to his full potential.

There’s nothing wrong with it. Mostly I just don’t rate him as a flanker. Just don’t think he’s very good at it. Had a few good games there his rookie year so maybe Im missing something.

With Jones I think his natural instincts align with the role even if he was no idea about positioning at the moment.

I think Cox has done a decent job running with/spoiling against your faster skinnier KF types and that’s where he’s most effective. Doesn’t really use the ball fast enough to be a good user at any spot.

Will be interesting when we get to Red vs Black preseason matchsims because there’s a good chance it’s Cox vs Jones if they want to have an even split.