AFL champion Greg Williams has told Bomber Radio Zach Merrett is well equipped to deal with some extra on-field attention should it come his way throughout the season. 

The reigning Crichton Medal winner has made a blistering start to the year.

He’s averaging 35 disposals across the first two games. 

In round one, Hawthorn sent Liam Shiels to Merrett after the young Bomber picked up 26 possessions in the first half. Against the Lions, he had Mitch Robinson for company.

Williams said Merrett’s ability to win his own ball made him a tough player to stop.

“Zach’s doing a great job with what he’s doing, he’s on fire at the moment, he’s a serious player,” he said.

“The mix you have to have is you’ve got to get your receives but you’ve also got to get your own ball and he does both of those, so he won’t have a problem.

“The players that receive all the time, they’re easy to stop because they don’t get as much of their own ball and they find it really difficult to get kicks when they’ve got someone close on them.”

The return of several key players and the development of the young core has provided extra depth in the Essendon midfield.

“I think it’s really strong, the players we’ve got – Watson, Heppell, Zach and then you’ve got Darcy, Langford, BJ, Colyer, even the little forwards can go through there – it’s a pretty exciting midfield, it really is,” Williams said.

Jobe Watson has been one of the Dons prime movers in the early rounds, averaging 30 possessions.

“Jobe is still a key in there, he’s so strong and handballs so well,” Williams said.

“We’ve really got to get someone to help him – and I think we have – but it’s really hard to find another player like him.

“He’s got a couple of years to go probably and to find someone as good as him is difficult but we need to get that big strong midfielder.

“He’s been a super player and he just stands out – his strength at the stoppages, his handball, his decision making – he’s elite at it and he’s been a great player here.”