You’d be hard-pressed to find a more driven footballer in the AFL than Essendon Captain Zach Merrett. 

The midfielder was already renowned for his tenacious work ethic and wizardry by foot by the time he’d arrived at the NEC Hangar on the eve of the 2014 season after being selected with pick 26 in the national draft, and he didn’t take long to make his presence felt. 

Merrett would debut as the tactical substitute alongside his older brother Jackson in round one of his first season, recording 11 disposals in his first taste of AFL action. 

His development remained steady throughout the year, receiving a rising star nomination for a breakout performance against the Tigers in Dreamtime at the ‘G and quickly building a reputation amongst teammates for his ‘first in, last to leave’ approach to training.

Ahead of the 2016 season, Merrett was thrown in the deep end as 12 of his teammates found themselves on the end of 12-month suspensions, forcing him to front up as a prime mover within the Dons’ makeshift midfield. 

Only in his third season, Merrett sought out the mentorship of former Carlton Captain Chris Judd, looking to improve his game at a rapid rate and combat the increased attention shown to him by opposition sides. 

Merrett flourished, averaging nearly 30 disposals per game and polling 19 Brownlow votes in a meteoric rise. 

By the age of 21, Merrett had already become Essendon’s third-youngest player to ever Captain a game, the youngest Crichton medallist in more than three decades, and the recipient of an All Australian blazer. 

Merrett would claim his second Crichton Medal in a 2019 season littered with starring performances, the most impressive coming in round 18 against the Crows at Adelaide Oval, dragging the Bombers across the line with a 31-disposal, two-goal display.

In the midst of a difficult 2020 campaign for the Bombers, Merrett continued to stake his claim among the game’s elite, polling 13 Brownlow votes in just 16 games and averaging 26 disposals per game in shortened quarters. 

Accompanied by the rise of midfield partner Darcy Parish, Merrett took his game to new heights in 2021 upon returning to the Bombers’ leadership group, again named All Australian and becoming just the 12th Bomber in club history to win a third Crichton Medal. 

Despite being one of the game’s most highly sought-after players, Merrett turned his back on free agency to sign a mammoth six-year deal tying him to the Bombers until the end of 2027, citing his desire to retire as a one-club player. 

Merrett produced an inspired spell of form between rounds 16 and 20 of the 2022 season, including 14 Brownlow votes and three consecutive three-vote performances as the Dons won four from five.

Ahead of the 2023 season under new Senior Coach Brad Scott, Merrett was announced as the 41st captain in Essendon’s history, taking the reins from stalwart Dyson Heppell. 

At 27 years of age, Merrett is now one of the most experienced heads on the club’s list, and the young group is thriving under his leadership, continuing to build an exciting and sustainable brand of football with room for improvement. 

Often a beacon of loyalty in trying times, the fan-favourite Merrett reaches the 200-game milestone in a huge test for the Bombers against reigning Premiers Geelong at GMHBA Stadium this Saturday night, promising to be an exciting contest.