Darcy Parish says spending more time in the forward line is helping develop his overall game. 

The 19 year old was used across half forward against Collingwood but still found plenty of the ball in the 37-point win.

He finished with 28 disposals, ten marks and four inside 50s.

“I’m playing a different role up forward a bit just to improve my game and learn new aspects of my game as well,” he said after the match.

The win snapped a two game losing streak for the Bombers and saw the side move to tenth spot on the ladder ahead of a clash with St Kilda on Friday night.

Essendon had more of the ball (438-375) against Collingwood, won the clearances (37-29) and contested possession (143-130) but the inside 50s were almost even (54-53).

Parish said a strong week on the training track and the structure the side put in place when the Magpies had possession were influential factors in the game.

“It was a pretty disappointing week for us last week as a group and I think we trained really well and learnt a lot from last week’s game,” he said.

“To come out and perform the way we did today was great for the fans, ourselves and all of the coaching staff.

“We needed to win to play finals and have the chance to make it.

“We set up the ground defensively really well and just our contest and method around the footy was super … so it was pleasing.”