Young on-baller Darcy Parish says an aggressive approach to the pre-season is a good sign of the competitive nature of Essendon’s exciting squad.

Recent match simulations have been played at high intensity and a handful of good-natured battles throughout the pre-season have highlighted an uncompromising preparation for the 2019 season.

Following a near full-scale match simulation on Wednesday, Parish said the intensity on the field is beneficial for all players.

“Everyone’s challenging one another to get better and we’re all competitive people out there, once we cross that line it’s game on,” Parish said on Wednesday.

“(Training) is starting to ramp up…there’s a few niggles here and there but it’s all part of it, we take care of that so it’s all good.”

Parish described Wednesday’s hit-out as “massive” and said excitement is starting to build among the Bombers ahead of the start of the JLT Community Series on Thursday, February 28, when the side takes on Carlton at Ikon Park.

“It was good to have a run around and get four quarters of match simulation into the bodies and the legs, the boys are training really well and progressing really well,” he said.

“It’s coming around pretty quickly, the JLT games, so we’re starting to ramp it up. This is the fun time of the pre-season.

“We’re just waiting for that to come around and we can’t wait to crack in in the JLT, it will be good.”

The tough midfielder lauded a number of teammates for their impressive efforts in the recent simulations with several emerging talents joining some experienced heads among the leading performers.

“If you have a look around there’s some really good young midfielders coming up through the ranks; Kyle Langford, (Andrew) ‘Pidge’ (McGrath), Dylan Clarke (and) Trent Mynott.

“Dylan Shiel, he’s been terrific for the midfield, (is) just another addition that we can go to with his burst of speed and his power.

“Zac Clarke is starting to find his feet a bit now in the ruck and he had a good hit-out today, which was good to see.

“Across the whole field everyone’s performing really well, which is great for spots.”

With Shiel joining the on-ball brigade Essendon has one of the deepest midfield groups in the league and Parish said the team will continue to use that to its advantage by ensuring there are always fresh legs running through the middle.

“I think that’s going to be a really good strength of ours this year as a midfield group, we’ve got so many blokes that can come in, play their role and get out.

“The rotations are going to be important for us this year with (restrictions on) runners, we’ll have to flick them through there quite often, but it’s definitely a strength of ours.”

The 21-year-old has gained significant experience throughout his first three years at The Hangar, playing 55 senior games and tying together seven strong performances to finish off the 2018 season.

Parish averaged 22 disposals and 10 contested possessions in that purple patch in an impressive display of his grit and strength inside the contest.

He says he is confident he can maintain that momentum from late last year to solidify a spot on the ball after a trouble-free pre-season to date.

“(In) the back of last year (I had) real confidence and real belief that I could play the roles for the team in the midfield.

“I’ve had a really strong pre-season again now, (my) fourth year, it’s just flown by.

“I’m hoping to cement myself in that spot and play my part for the team, so that’s all we could ask for.

“(A position in) the round one team will be a little goal for me, so hopefully I can cement my spot in the team and play some consistent footy throughout the year, I’m looking forward to it.”

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