In what has been an impressive winning fortnight for an improving Dons outfit, it has been difficult to overlook Brandon Zerk-Thatcher’s glittering form as a standout.
The 195cm South Australian product is enjoying his best run of form at the highest level thus far, with a stirring defensive display against Sydney’s experienced forward unit in Round 16 considered a breakout for the emerging key, followed up by an equally poised performance to thwart Lions’ spearhead Eric Hipwood at the Gabba last Sunday - tallying a career-high 21 disposals in the process.
Importantly, it has been in two nail-biting contests where the young defender has shone most brightly; when the game has been up for grabs, ‘Zerk’ has taken the opportunity with both hands, recording 9 marks and 7 intercept possessions across both final quarters combined.
A newfound ability to generate aggressive ball movement from the last line has also added a new string to the big man’s bow recently, with a staggering 6 and 7 rebound 50’s respectively in the two outings – both career-highs again.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the 23-year-old in 2022 either - although his confidence to baulk around Lance Franklin might have suggested otherwise - struggling earlier in the season to break into a moulding Bombers defence which instead opted for the pairing of a promising Zach Reid and Jayden Laverde as their pillars in the back six.
Not settling on discouragement as the AFL side stumbled with his counterparts in his place, Zerk-Thatcher utilised the VFL as a personal stomping ground in June; his solid performances against Carlton and Williamstown aligning with the reserves’ purple patch of three consecutive wins ventured far outside the field of coincidence.
Since banging the door down for a senior return, the faith has been more than repaid; and in the second half of a tough season buoyed by the growing potential of Essendon’s young core in the likes of Martin, Hobbs, and Perkins, Zerk-Thatcher’s emergence could serve as the surprise packet to top it off.
