Parish flies from Falcons to Werribee

THE start of the 2018 VFL season will begin in Torquay with Geelong and Werribee squaring off on Easter Sunday, and spectators may notice the 2017 Geelong Falcons best and fairest winner running around for the Tigers.

Cassidy Parish has signed with Werribee for the club’s first standalone season in the VFL in 19 years.

The 18-year-old from Winchelsea was touted as a strong AFL draft prospect following a stellar TAC Cup premiership campaign with the Falcons.

Having begun training at Avalon Airport Oval in late 2017, Parish said he was excited to now formally commit to Werribee and was enjoying the challenge of being in a VFL environment.

“I’m really grateful to be down here,” Parish – who has aligned himself with GFL club Grovedale for 2018 – said.

“Werribee is obviously a great club, and it’s been great to step it up to that next level.

“It’s a big step-up from last year, the running and the level of expectation, so you’ve got to be on your game 100 per cent of the time, but it’s good to step up that level of competitiveness.”

The younger brother of Essendon AFL midfielder Darcy, Parish is following in the family footsteps by developing a reputation as something of a ball magnet, having averaged just under 28 possessions a game with the Falcons across 2017.

The 190cm inside midfielder’s consistency was also recognised outside the Falcons through his three appearances for Vic Country at the AFL Under-18 Championships.

Werribee football operations manager Stuart Balloch welcomed Parish to the fold and said the club was eager to assist its new recruit in developing his game with the view to attracting AFL attention in the future.

“Cassidy has come off a terrific year, and there was a bit of speculation that he was a draft prospect.

“He’s missed out on an opportunity there, but we’re really excited to now give him an opportunity to show his worth to an AFL club moving forward.”

Sunday’s game at Spring Creek Reserve will begin at 2pm.