Drafted with pick No.5 as a midfielder in 2015,he had been somewhat of a wasted talent while rotated as a midfielder and high half-forward in recent seasons,including in defeats to Hawthorn and Port Adelaide to start the season. But he has been on a tear since round three,including 42 disposals when claiming the Anzac Medal against Collingwood,35 against the Giants and 39,including 10 clearances,against the Dockers last week when the Bombers finally eked out a close win.
Brave,a fine clearance specialist and possessing creativity and ability to find the goals,Parish’s rise has taken the sting out of the failed bid to secure Bulldog Josh Dunkley through the trade period.
However,club great Matthew Lloyd said tougher challenges await Parish.
“He is in great form due to his ability to get from contest to contest. He can win both inside and outside ball and he is a line-breaker who kicks goals. A tag on him would not be far away so that will be his next challenge as a midfielder on the rise,” Lloyd told the Sunday Age.
The Kangaroos on Sunday face a similar conundrum at Marvel Stadium as the Dockers did. Should they also tag Merrett,who still had 22 touches against the Dockers,it in all probability will allow Parish to again run wild. And that can only be danger for the Kangaroos,for Parish has averaged 32.4 disposals,eight clearances and 6.3 loose-ball gets per game since round three - the third most in each category across the league.
For his part,Parish,who has long wanted more time in the midfield,cannot believe any side would be “stupid” enough to not send a tag to Merrett.