In his 199 games with Essendon, Zach Merrett says the Bombers have never played better than they did against Adelaide in round 17.

The Essendon captain will line up for his 200th game this weekend with his side well placed in the context of their season.

The Bombers currently sit fifth ahead of its monster clash with reigning premier Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.

Last Sunday, the Bombers secured a big win over Adelaide, thanks in no small part to a 12-goal first-half.

Merrett, who was drafted in 2013, said he had never been part of a more complete performance at Essendon.

06:03

Rd 18 | Zach Merrett media conference

Ahead of his 200th game this weekend, captain Zach Merrett chats to the media about his time at Essendon, taking on the captaincy and being a one-club player.

"It was an extremely powerful first half, the way we played," Merrett said.

"There's certainly been areas of our game ... that we haven't been up to scratch with, even though we've been winning a few games.

"Our defence and our ability to play on our terms was probably the best I've ever seen.

"You could feel the energy in the stadium, with all our fans getting right behind the way we were playing.

"Out there watching all the teammates – it felt like there was 15 or 16 guys playing their best footy at once – was extremely powerful."

Merrett has stuck with Essendon during an eventful period for the club in which he's actively attracted the attention of rival clubs.

But the 27-year-old is determined to remain a one-club player and is now reaping the rewards of staying loyal.

00:33

Rd 17 | Merrett's magnificent centre-square driller continues hot start

Zach Merrett slots a brilliant long piercing goal after a slick Essendon handball chain.

"I've got a lot of trust that everyone had the right intentions throughout those years to try and do the best thing for the footy club," Merrett said.

"A lot of those learnings have held me in good stead to try and lead this group forward now.

"Being a one-club player in the AFL system is still a really special thing and certainly something I want to do."

Merrett hopes the Bombers' continuous development will see midfielder Darcy Parish and star defender Mason Redman recommit to the club.

"They're so important, valued internally with us and having fantastic seasons again," he said.

"I'm very hopeful that they'll re-sign soonish but I'm also not going to force their hand."