Essendon have officially ruled out midfielder Darcy Parish from their clash with Sydney at the SCG.
Parish got through main training on Thursday and was deemed available for selection after overcoming a hamstring injury but will miss this week, with the club taking a cautious approach.
Update.
Midfielder Darcy parish will not make the trip to Sydney with a precautionary approach taken citing awareness following main training.
Ben Hobbs will come into the 23 and Dylan Shiel is added as an emergency.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) March 22, 2024
The midfielder "cited awareness" in his hamstring and opted to not risk further injury.
As a result of Parish's absence, youngster Ben Hobbs will be given a chance in the senior side.
Banging down the door at the selection table, Hobbs has been impressive across the summer despite the latest injury.
"He's had a terrific preseason, he had a really unfortunate injury in terms of timing," Scott said.
"He's ready to play AFL footy... he'll come into our team, whether it's this week or next week."
Hobbs is likely to be deployed as the sub with the midfield and forward mix working well against Hawthorn.
It will also mean that Archie Perkins will continue his time in the midfield, showing promising signs in Round 1.
Perkins was arguably best on the ground last week, slotting two goals from 24 disposals in a dominant display.
Ruckman Sam Draper will also come in for his first game of the year, joined by defenders Nick Hind and Jayden Laverde.
The Bombers dropped forward Harrison Jones for the clash with the Swans, while Mason Redman (suspension), Matt Guelfi (injured) and Zach Reid (injured) will all miss.
