The Bombers secured Darcy Parish with the fifth overall pick in the 2015 National Draft.
In 2016, Parish picked up 25 possessions in his debut for the Bombers in round one against Gold Coast. A week later he kicked the goal that sealed Essendon’s first win of the season against Melbourne. That 21 disposal and eight-tackle effort earned him a Rising Star nomination (an award he would eventually finish fourth in).
Parish played 20 games in his first season and averaged 21 disposals.
He was one of five Bombers named in the AFLPA’S 22under22 squad and also finished in the top 10 for the Best and Fairest.
Draft History: Pick 5 2015 AFL Draft (Essendon)