Zach Merrett's excellent season has received further recognition with the Essendon midfielder finishing fourth in the AFL Coaches' Association player of the year.

After each game, coaches vote for the best five players on the ground.  The maximum votes a player can be awarded is ten.

Merrett picked up the maximum votes in the final home and away match of the season against Fremantle.  He collected 31 possessions and kicked four goals.

The 21 year old was named in the All Australian side last week and won the Crichton Medal in 2016.

He's averaged more than 30 disposals per game this season to be ranked number four in the competition and he’s also ranked fourth for kicks.

2017 Shadforth Financial Group AFLCA Champion Player 
1. Dustin Martin (Richmond) 122
2. Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong) 118
3. Rory Sloane (Adelaide) 78
4. Zach Merrett (Essendon) 77
5. Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn) 76
6. Josh Kelly (Greater Western Sydney) 75
7. Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 71
8. Matt Crouch (Adelaide) 68
8. Seb Ross (St Kilda) 68
8. Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions) 68