Darcy Parish says fellow Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett has played an important role in his development in his debut AFL season.
The 19 year old Parish and 20 year old Merrett have formed key components of the Bombers midfield this season.
Merrett’s upward curve has continued in his third AFL season. He's averaging seven more disposals per game and nearly 100 more metres gained compared to last year.
“I’m starting to learn a fair few of Zachy’s tricks, as he is probably with me as well,” Parish said.
“It’s been great learning off him throughout the year and he’s been super for my development. I love being around him.”
The unique circumstances around this season has seen Parish thrust into a key midfield role, while Merrett earned his stripes across half forward and on the wing when he made his debut in 2014.
The pair, alongside the returning Dyson Heppell, are likely to form the backbone of the Essendon midfield for many years to come.
Comparing the debut years
Parish (2016) Merrett (2014)
17* Games 20
6 Goals 11
20.5 Disposals 15.2
8.6 Contested poss. 5.2
171.1 Metres gained 224.9
4.4 Score involvs 3.8
3.2 Marks 3.4
3.2 Tackles 4.0
2.2 Inside 50’s 2.8
* so far
Both Parish and Merrett were in the thick of the action against Adelaide on Sunday.
Parish ended the game with 21 disposals while Merrett picked up 31.
“I looked up to the likes of (Rory) Sloane and (Scott) Thompson growing up so to play alongside those boys you really learn a lot from them so it was a great challenge for me,” Parish said.
“They were just so clean around the contest and on the spread as well and we just weren’t consistent enough for four quarters.
“We probably gave two quarter efforts – the first and the last. We’ve just got to work hard during the week to be clean around the contest and really make the most of our chances.”
