A FITTER and stronger Darcy Parish says he's determined to impact games for longer next season as part of a full-strength Essendon midfield, having added seven kilograms to his slender frame.
Parish enjoyed a stellar debut campaign for the Bombers, playing 20 games and finishing fourth in the NAB AFL Rising Star award.
But the 19-year-old young gun knows he can offer even more in 2017 coming off his first full pre-season.
"Aerobically I want to get to more contests and finish off games stronger," Parish told the club's website.
"And also just my craft around stoppages. It has been great with 'Myersy' (David Myers) and 'Hep' (Dyson Heppell) who I've already learnt off."
Parish was thrust into a bigger role than the Bombers planned last year after anti-doping bans sidelined 12 players for the season.
The blond-haired onballer relished the responsibility, averaging 21 disposals – nine contested – and stamping himself as a star of the future alongside club champion Zach Merrett.
"There was a lot of opportunity for us younger guys, and I took it with both hands to play as many games as I could," Parish said.
"I'm very happy with how the year went individually.
"As a team, it was tough circumstances, but to get three wins on the board was a great feeling.
"It's a great bunch of boys and now everyone is back raring to go, and it'll be a great 2017."
Parish, the No.5 pick in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, has ramped up his workload this pre-season – even training at his former TAC Cup club Geelong Falcons' base during his leave period.
The classy onballer was listed at 73kg last season and has added about "six or seven kilos" to his frame in 12 months to compete with bigger-bodied midfielders.
"Aerobically I'm a lot better as well, running a lot quicker times," he said.
"Obviously we're (2015 draftees) a lot more involved in our second (pre-season).
"Strength builds up, fitness base builds up as well so you can definitely tell from this time last year there is a huge step up from all of the boys.
"We're all looking fit and strong and looking forward to the year."
