Essendon star Darcy Parish has looked to reassure Bombers fans his future lies in the red and black, stating he "absolutely" wants to stay with the club amid interest from Geelong.
The Cats have emerged as a leading suitor for the 25-year-old, who is eligible to exercise his rights as a free agent this year - having penned a two-year extension during a breakout 2021 campaign.
Parish is one of two restricted free agents at Essendon, with a hard-nosed defender Mason Redman also weighing up his future through the back end of the 2023 season as Adelaide looks to lure him to South Australia.
For Parish, the inside onballer is considering his options to either remain under senior coach Brad Scott or look elsewhere, with the former option looming more likely.
Parish, who will reportedly have a decision made in the coming weeks, has revealed he hopes to remain a Bomber beyond 2023.
"Yeah, absolutely (I want to stay at Essendon)," Parish told 9 News.
"I'm very happy at the club with what we're building and the group we've got.
"It's all going in the right direction and I'm really enjoying myself under Scotty. I've had a bit of a taste of him now and seen what he's put in front of me. I haven't had a bad thing to say about him.
"I feel valued and have a great understanding of where I sit in the team. I'm really enjoying myself and hopefully we can get it all sorted soon."
Parish and Redman are joined by Adelaide's Tom Doedee, North Melbourne's Ben McKay, Saint Jade Gresham, Port Adelaide veteran Charlie Dixon and Giant Harry Himmelberg in also falling under the restricted free agency band - being among the top 25 per cent of earns among their respective playing groups.
McKay has been tied to the Bombers as an off-season target to help bolster the club's backline, with attention potentially being placed toward key-position areas in their list build instead of refining the already brimming midfield group that includes Parish.
Albeit an interrupted opening 15 weeks, Parish has again been a shining light in midfield for Essendon, averaging career-highs for disposals (32.44 per game), inside 50s (6.22), clearances (8.56) and contested possessions (14.67) from nine games so far.
The one-time All-Australian missed Rounds 8 through 13 due to a calf injury, but managed a successful return in his side's loss to Fremantle last weekend.
Essendon will face premiership contenders Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night as they look to potentially move into the top four.