In the absence of several seasoned stars, Zach Merrett stood tall to lead the Essendon midfield.
At just 20 years of age, he collected 657 possessions – the most ever by a Bombers player on his way to winning the Crichton Medal.
He finished 105 votes ahead of runners up Joe Daniher and James Kelly, to become one of the youngest Essendon players to win the best and fairest behind Tim Watson (19 years and 50 days), Dick Reynolds (19 years and 88 days) and Neale Daniher (20 years and 189 days).
Merrett now has three seasons and 59 games under his belt.
He has become one of the best young midfielders in the game and his career trajectory gives cause for excitement.
2014 2015 2016
Games 20 17 22
Goals 11 4 7
Ave Disposals 15.2 22.4 29.9
Ave Cont. Poss 5.2 8.1 10.4
Ave Metres Gained 224.9 316.2 444.1
Ave Score Involvs. 3.8 4.2 5.9
Ave Marks 3.4 3.5 5.0
Ave Tackles 4.0 5.8 6.2
Ave Inside 50’s 2.8 3.5 4.9
Ave Rebound 50’s 0.7 1.4 2.0
Merrett also won the Best Defensive player and the John Kilby Best Clubman Award.
"Zach was our most consistent performer this season and is a deserving winner of the 2016 Crichton Medal," Coach John Worsfold said.
"Zach played some exceptional football this season, and that was built off the back of his professionalism, living elite standards and a hunger to improve and develop with each game."
Merrett ranked fourth in the competition for pressure acts and turnovers forced.
He also became the third youngest stand-in skipper in the Club’s 140-year history when he filled in for an injured Brendon Goddard for two games, including the win over Gold Coast.
