The standard has been set high for Zach Merrett and he didn’t disappoint in 2019.

Off the back of three sensational seasons as one of the league’s leading midfielders, the ball magnet returned to his best again this year, racking up possessions at will and claiming career-high season averages for contested possessions, clearances and goal assists.

His tackling was also as ruthless as ever, while his important leadership was clearly on show in several tight games throughout the season.

A winner of the Crichton Medal in 2016, runner-up in 2018 and fourth placegetter in 2017, Merrett is sure to poll well again.

SEASON AVERAGES

Disposals: 28.3

Contested possessions: 10.7

Tackles: 5.4

Inside 50s: 4.8

Clearances: 4.7

CLUB RANKING (AVE. PER GAME)

1st – Disposals, pressure acts (26.6), uncontested possessions (17.9)

2nd – Clearances, score involvements (5.7)

3rd – Contested possessions, tackles, metres gained (415)

4th – Goal assists (0.6)

TOP THREE PERFORMANCES 

Round 4 vs Brisbane

Under the autumn sun at the MCG, Merrett led the team brilliantly against the Lions in an important game for the side. He racked up 35 disposals (at 85.7 per cent efficiency), 15 contested possessions, nine score involvements, seven clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal.

Round 5 vs North Melbourne

Merrett had the ball on a string against North Melbourne on Good Friday, tearing the Roos apart with 39 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 12 score involvements, 32 pressure acts, nine tackles, seven clearances, six inside 50s.

Round 18 vs Adelaide

This was one of Merrett’s best games as a leader of the side, bouncing back from the disappointment of a handful of missed shots on goal to lift the side over the line in the second half, finishing with 31 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 691 metres gained, eight score involvements and two goals.

The Crichton Medal will be held at The Plenary on Tuesday, October 1. Click on the image below to secure your tickets.