An Essendon midfielder has been told he’s free to explore trade options.
Plus West Coast has renewed interest in a Hawk after it tried to lure him last year. More in Trade Whispers.
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PARISH FREE TO EXPLORE TRADE OPTIONS
Essendon has reportedly told Darcy Parish he’s welcome to explore his options in the trade period with the possibility he won’t be in Mark McVeigh’s best 23.
Parish, 29, has fallen out of favour at Essendon, having played 14 games this season.
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While the midfielder is contracted until 2029, he was told as his exit meeting he could search for a new home for 2027 for greater senior opportunities.
“The Bombers have told him at his exit meeting: ‘You’re welcome to stay … but there’s no guarantees that you are in our best 23 and our best midfield next year. So, if you want to have a look, you can do so with our blessing’,” Seven’s Tom Morris said on Agenda Setters.
“I don’t know if there’s any clubs out there for him, but that’s the message that’d been delivered to him.”
The 2021 All-Australian has played 179 AFL games since 2016.
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EAGLES RENEW INTEREST IN HAWK
West Coast has reportedly renewed interest in Hawks forward Sam Butler.
AFL Media reports the Eagles are having another crack at Butler after they tried to lure the 23-year old away last year, prior to him signing a two-year extension until 2027.
Butler has played just eight games in 2026 after appearing in three of Hawthorn’s finals last year.
It’s believed West Coast has other priorities but has kept tabs on Butler and could ramp up a pursuit in next month’s trade period.
Butler, who’s the younger brother of Saints veteran Dan Butler, will miss Sunday’s VFL Grand Final against Geelong due to suspension.