The Bombers surprised everyone in 2021 by sneaking into finals on the back of a strong finish. Led by performances from their midfield stars, the emergence of a new crop made them the buzz team last year.
The real challenge now comes with the weight of expectation. An undoubtedly talented list will now look to push on to another level. Last year proved to be the season we saw Darcy Parish establish himself as a superstar of the competition.
His stunning year was capped off by rightly being named in the All-Australian team and a top-five Brownlow finish with 26 votes. With Parish ably aided by the likes of Jake Stringer, Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley, Andy McGrath and Nick Hind, the core talent is strong.
More exciting perhaps is the young contingent coming through. The likes of Nik Cox, Archie Perkins and Harrison Jones announced themselves in 2021 and will look to kick on this year.
While the lack of depth at key positions is a concern, the club will be hoping another year of development will present new options. Having not won a final in over 6000 days, they will be keen to banish that demon once and for all.
Off-Season Moves
Ins: Jake Kelly (Adelaide), Ben Hobbs (pick 13), Alistair Lord (Pick 46), Garrett McDonagh (Pick 50), Patrick Voss (Rookie Draft Pick 9), Tex Wanganeen (SSP), Nick Martin (SSP)
Outs: Patrick Ambrose (Retired), Ned Cahill (Delisted), Marty Gleeson (Delisted), Cale Hooker (Retired), Lachie Johnson (Delisted), Sam McQuillan (Retired), Irving Mosquito (Delisted), David Zaharakis (Delisted)
Star Player
Darcy Parish
One of the great stories to come from season 2021 was that of Darcy Parish. Having long shown glimpses of talent and patches of form, he put it all together in a year that announced him as a star of the competition.
A midfield beast who can win the ball inside and out, he amassed the ball at will while getting clearances just as easily. His breakout year saw him average 30.5 disposals, 7.5 clearances, 4.2 marks and 3.9 tackles a game.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
These elite numbers saw him justifiably rewarded with his maiden All-Australian selection. One that looms as the first of many. As though that weren't enough, come Brownlow night he was again recognised for his sensational year, earning 26 votes and a top-five finish.
All the noise coming out of Essendon this pre-season is that Parish is ready to maintain the rage and continue his rise a star of the AFL. He alone will be worth tuning to Bombers games for.
