DARCY Parish is keen to stay at Essendon, but won't be worried if his contract talks continue to drag out as he remains unsigned beyond this season.
The emerging Bomber's initial two-year deal with the club expires at the end of this year and, alongside key forward Joe Daniher, Parish is among Essendon's most important re-signings.
The club moved to extend his deal last season but was unable to come to an agreement, with protracted discussions continuing.
As the season edges closer to the halfway point, some rivals are surprised the Dons haven't yet been able to lock away Parish, who has played 27 of a possible 29 games since landing at Essendon as its prized No.5 pick at the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.
But the 19-year-old said he sees himself staying in the red and black.
"Obviously there's a bit of contract talk going around, but it's not something I'm really focused on. I'm just focused on playing good footy and enjoying my time here at Essendon," Parish told AFL.com.au.
"My managers are going through that with the club at the moment, so hopefully we get it done pretty soon because I obviously have no intentions of leaving the club, because it's been great so far and I'm loving every minute of it. Hopefully we get it done soon."
Parish has taken no time to establish himself as a key part of Essendon's future, after averaging 20.7 disposals in his debut season and finishing fourth overall in the NAB AFL Rising Star award.
Bush boy Darcy Parish is looking forward to the Country Festival game. Picture: AFL Photos
He understands the longer he stays out of contract for next year the more speculation about his future will arise, but the Geelong Falcons product is confident an extension will get sorted.
"I'm one of those blokes who doesn't get too fazed by too many things. I think it will all take care of itself in the end and I'm really looking forward to hopefully getting a deal done and locking it away," he said.
Parish has had a consistent start to this season, with standout performances coming in the Bombers' wins over Hawthorn (in round one) and Collingwood (round five) when he gathered 25 disposals in both outings.
On Saturday night he will face Geelong in the Powercor Country Festival game. Parish grew up on a farm in Wensleydale in Victoria – his father Glen is a shearer – and said the contest will mean plenty to country communities.
"It's great to be recognising the country and all of the farmers who work so hard pretty much all their lives out there," he said.
"It's great to have this game for them. Coming from the country myself, I've been there and watched dad do all the hard work, and been out there myself helping him out. It's great and dad will probably be there enjoying the atmosphere as well."
AFL Exchange, bite-sized: James Kelly's toughest opponent
In this extract from round eight's podcast, 300-gamer James Kelly joins Matt Thompson and Peter Ryan to discuss his baptism of fire into the AFL and his toughest ever opponent.
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