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Prized Essendon youngster Darcy Parish says the dark cloud of the notorious supplements saga has finally lifted at the club, as a new fleet of Bombers assert themselves on forging the team's future. Parish, 20, said the atmosphere at the club was incredibly positive, with several high-profile recruits joining in the recent trading period, and the disastrous supplements fallout a distant memory. "It's out of my mind. We've got such a talented young group coming through and we've bonded over the last couple of weeks. We're such a tight-knit crew and hopefully with this crop coming forward we can put it in the direction we want to," Parish told ESPN. The emerging midfielder said Rising Star winner Andy McGrath was destined for more time in the midfield, adding he expected jumping Joe Daniher to leap to another level after a breakout season. But the attention will be on recruit Jake Stringer, who will be part of the senior group in full training on Monday. The No. 5 pick in the 2015 draft said ex-Bulldog Stringer had been one of a number of senior players seen in the gym during their break period in attempt to get a head start on the 2018 campaign.  "He's been around for a few years and has been some sort of player in that time. Hopefully he can bring that to Essendon. He can be a game-winner and hopefully he brings that to the group," Parish said. And while the club will be without former captain Jobe Watson, Parish says it would embolden young leaders to stamp themselves on the playing group. "[Jobe's] one of the greats of the game and a great leader on and off the field. He's certainly going to be missed, but it gives blokes like Zach Merrett an opportunity to step up again like he has shown," Parish said.
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