Star midfielder Zach Merrett has been among the club’s leading players since a breakthrough season in 2016 and 2019 saw more of the same from the young gun.

Merrett had the ball on a string as per usual this year, claiming the third-highest season tally ever for disposals from an Essendon player (651 – behind only himself in first and second place).

The consistent and durable Bomber claimed career-high season averages for contested possessions, clearances and goal assists, while he also led the club for pressure acts and uncontested possessions.

Merrett’s leadership continued to develop this year, taking the reins as skipper on five occasions with Dyson Heppell out of action.

KEY STATS

Games: 23

Goals: 8

Average disposals: 28.3

Average contested possessions: 10.7

Average tackles: 5.4

Average clearances: 4.7

BEST PERFORMANCE

It was a tight tussle between Merrett’s huge performances in both round five against North Melbourne and round 18 against Adelaide, but the latter comes out on top.

Merrett was instrumental in the stunning comeback victory at Adelaide Oval, lifting the Bombers from a 30-point deficit to a 21-point success.

He had just nine disposals in a challenging first half, but he didn’t let it faze him as he exploded in the second half in brilliant display of leadership to finish the game with 31 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 691 metres gained, eight score involvements and two crucial last-quarter goals.

Merrett is swamped by his teammates after booting an important goal against the Crows. (Image: AFL Photos)

MIGHTY MOMENT

With under three minutes remaining in the very same match, Merrett put the remarkable result beyond doubt with his second goal of the final term in stunning fashion.

A loose ball bobbled on the wing before Merrett hit it with pace and picked it up cleanly with one hand before breaking clear of his rivals into the centre circle.

With not one player inside the forward 50, Merrett launched a long bomb from approximately 65 metres out and it dramatically bounced home to secure the win.

2020 VISION

It is easy to forget Merrett is only 23 years old and well and truly entering his prime. The prospect of greater support on the ball with the possibility of a fit Devon Smith taking his place in the line-up throughout the year is also sure to help Merrett thrive.

You know what you are going to get from the driven Bomber and that is an onballer who will rack up plenty of possessions and make the opposition earn every one of theirs through his elite pressure.