Coming into the season off the back of a maiden All-Australian selection, there was plenty of expectation for Essendon young gun Zach Merrett to put in another strong season.
But after consecutive head knocks in the JLT Community Series and the side’s round one defeat of Adelaide, the prolific on-baller was immediately forced onto the back foot.
It was his ability to bounce back to his best form this year after the tough start and break the shackles from opposition taggers that is most impressive about his terrific 2018 season.
After facing the early adversity, Merrett averaged 30.4 disposals from round nine to the end of the season, a period in which Essendon won 10 of 14 matches.
Taking out round one where the midfielder only played 16 per cent of match, below are some statistical averages showing Merrett’s significant rise back into form this year.
Rounds 2-8 averages:
Disposals - 22.6
Contested possessions - 9
Clearances - 2.9
Goal assists - 0.3
Rounds 9-23 averages:
Disposals - 30.4
Contested possessions - 11.8
Clearances - 5.3
Goal assists - 0.8
His strong patch of form was a result of the return of his trademark strengths; his ability to find the ball, his ferocious tackling and his top-class speed.
It’s also a good example of Merrett’s drive to continue to improve to eventually become the best. He has already achieved so much in his 103 senior games – including a Crichton Medal in 2016 – and the way he steamed home this year, it wouldn’t shock if he added a second.
BEST PERFORMANCE – Round 20 v Hawthorn
Merrett was immense in Essendon’s narrow four-point loss to Hawthorn late in the season. The ball magnet picked up 41 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 27 uncontested possessions, eight clearances and five inside-50s in a prolific display of his capabilities both inside and outside of the contest. Left free of a tag, Merrett ran riot through the middle of the MCG to make his 100th game a memorable one.
Zach Merrett had a career-high 41 disposals today in his 100th game. He's navigated his way through one of the more extraordinary first five seasons of any AFL career with inspiring resilience and class. He's just 22 years old and will be a champion of @EssendonFC.
— Adam White (@White_Adam) August 4, 2018
SEASON AVERAGES
Disposals – 26.8
Contested possessions – 10.6
Clearances – 4.3
Tackles – 6
The Crichton Medal will be held at Peninsula on Thursday, October 4.
CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR TICKETS
Keep an eye on essendonfc.com.au for more Crichton Contenders in the lead up to the big night.
