Essendon star Zach Merrett has picked up the Community Award at the Club’s Crichton Medal count.

The All Australian was recognised for his fundraising efforts to help families suffering from multiple sclerosis.

The 22 year old raised more than $20,000 to help people affected by the condition. 

Merrett has seen the strain the MS can cause at close quarters, with his Mum, Cathy, suffering from the disease.

The condition interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves and affects more than 23,000 people across the country.