Darcy Parish is looking forward to learning from two of the Bombers best when he begins training with the Club.

Essendon selected Parish with its first pick in last night’s National Draft.

The young midfielder said he would try to learn from Brownlow Medal winner Jobe Watson, as well as All-Australian Dyson Heppell, who enjoyed a similar upbringing.

“A country lad as well like me and the blonde locks as well,” Parish said.

“He’s an absolute star.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know him, and absorbing as much as I can off him.

“Obviously Jobe Watson as well is an absolute star for the Club and I’d love to absorb as much as I can off him too.”

It was long speculated that Parish was in the Dons sights, but the teenager said he had to wait for his name to be called out for official confirmation that he had become an Essendon player.

“At the combine there was some pretty deep conversation, they were pretty interested then,” he said.

“And then today they told me they were going to pick me if I snuck past Melbourne.”

Parish grew up on a farm and played for the Geelong Falcons.

He supported Collingwood, but is now firmly entrenched in the Essendon family.

“Obviously coming on to an AFL list has always been a dream of mine,” he said.

“To be read out for the Dons – I’m over the moon.

“It’s a great club, got some great history behind it.

“I can’t wait to get down there and just learn and absorb as much as I can.

“It’s going to be an enjoyable journey I reckon.”