Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce, Darcy Parish, has committed to the Bombers for a further two years.

The new deal will see the exciting young midfielder remain at the club until at least the end of the 2019 season.

Parish said the Club’s promising future was the reason behind his decision to re-sign.

“I’m really excited about our future and proud to sign on for two more years,” Parish said.

“We’ve got a great group of players, with a solid mix of youth and experience, and while we know we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, I really feel like we’re heading in the right direction.

“I truly believe we have the best members and supporters in the AFL, and to play in the big blockbuster games and represent them is a massive honour.”

In just his second year at the club, Parish has emerged as a key player in the Dons line-up, averaging 21 disposals, four marks and three tackles.

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said he is delighted Parish will be a part of the Club’s future moving forward.

“We’re really pleased to have Darcy commit to the Club for a further two years and continue on the journey we all started together,” Worsfold said.

“He’s part of an exciting young group of players who are not only fully invested, but really driving our culture and elite standards.

“We are pleased with Darcy’s development as a midfielder who can also have an impact when playing forward. With his continued hard work and mindset to achieve his potential at the elite level, we know he will be a strong contributor to the team success we are working towards.”

Parish was one of a number of young stars to emerge from a challenging but highly rewarding 2016 campaign.

His debut season resulted in selection in the AFLPA’s 22under22 squad, a Rising Star nomination and a top 10 finish in the Crichton Medal.

List & Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said Parish is invested in the Club’s vision.

“Darcy made it extremely clear he wants to be part of what we’re building, so it’s wonderful to see him re-sign today,” Dodoro said.

“He’s a good young country kid who comes from a lovely family, has great values and an incredibly hard work ethic.

“We are really excited about the future talent at the Club, and Darcy along with Andrew McGrath, Orazio Fantasia and Zach Merrett have so much good football ahead of them, we are all looking forward to watching them grow together over the coming seasons.”

Parish was selected with the Club’s first round pick (pick 5) at the 2015 National Draft.