Darcy Parish has rubbished criticism of his on-field discussions with captain Dyson Heppell, admitting that while the incident "didn't look great", there was no animosity between the pair.

The duo made headlines after Round 11's loss to Port Adelaide, when the two were caught in a heated exchange at quarter time, which culminated in Parish walking away from his 30-year-old skipper.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Parish said that the incident had been addressed and there was "nothing in it".

“There are probably things like that you could change in the moment,” Parish said.

“But I think footy is such a hostile and heated game half the time you don’t even know what you are doing (in the moment).

“There are obviously things that I would like to do differently next time, probably walking away didn’t look that great but it’s just frustration and passion and I just want to get the best out of the team.

“There is nothing in it though. It has all been addressed and we are ready to attack this week.

“It was just two passionate blokes wanting to get the best out of one another.”

The Bombers come back from the bye sitting in 16th position with a 2-9 win-loss record to their name. After a 2021 season that saw the team return to the finals, the first half of 2022 has been nothing but disappointing for those in red and black.

“We’re at a stage now in our careers where we bloody hate losing …. and if there are honest and ruthless conversations that need to be had and addressed at certain points of games, everyone should speak up and say what it is,” Parish said.

“There was a little bit of frustration there but we’re two passionate guys that just want to get the best out of each other and just do the best for the team.

“That’s all it really was. All teams are doing it, but just because we are obviously losing a few games of late it gets highlighted a lot more.

“We spoke about it, but there’s nothing really there to be said. We just want to continue to get the best out of each other and hold each other to account and just keep improving as a whole group.”

On his own performance this season, in which he has been averaging 35 disposals and 6.5 clearances per game, Parish said he wasn't listening to outside critics talking about his form.

DARCY PARISH
Midfielder
Essendon
2022 SEASON AVG
31.3
Disposals
3.3
Tackles
6.1
Clearances

“It’s easy for the average Joe watching from the stands to say that,” Parish said.

“I’m doing most of my work on the inside and accumulating it to the guys on the outside which is what they are missing as well.

“There are obviously areas you would like to improve on but I don’t get too caught up in all the noise away from the club.

While the Bombers have confirmed an extensive review will take place after their dismal start to the season, it has been revealed that coach Ben Rutten's job will not be on the chopping block.

Speaking on SEN Breakfast, CEO Xavier Campbell remained adamant that Rutten was the right coach for the Bombers.

“We believe Ben is absolutely the right person. I hear that from the players, I know that from the staff, I see it every day," Campbell said.

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“I think Ben has proven that he can build that connection amongst the group. This year we haven’t quite got to that point and Ben would be the first to acknowledge that we haven’t got to that point.

“But he’s a younger coach and we’ve got to make sure he gets the best support. He wouldn’t be the first coach in the competition to get more support at different times.”

Essendon face a big prime-time test in Round 13, set to face Carlton on Friday night at the MCG.