He’s one of the game’s most decorated players and now he’s guiding one of the Bombers young stars.
Chris Judd achieved almost every accolade the AFL has to offer throughout his 279 game career with West Coast and Carlton.
He’s a two-time Brownlow medal winner, premiership player and Norm Smith Medalist.
John Worsfold was there to guide Judd through his early years and now Judd is returning the favour by mentoring Zach Merrett.
The Essendon Coach introduced the pair and Merrett has been picking the brain of the six-time All-Australian this year.
“I’ve had him since the boys got done in January – so the last six months – through John Worsfold,” Merrett told Bomber Radio.
“He’s been fantastic for me.
“We don’t really look at the footy stuff, obviously we’ve got enough coaches and analysts to go through that with.
“It’s more the preparation, the attitude … as well as the leadership side of things.
“He’s been great in that field.”
Merrett grew up a Western Bulldogs fan and it was the face of another Brownlow medal winner - Adam Cooney - he chose to adorn his Bulldogs badges.
But he admired the feats of Judd from a distance.
“He was one of my favourite players growing up so the first few times I met with him it was bit daunting and I had to pinch myself a few times,” he said.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the time he’s given me.”
The absence of several experienced players this season has increased the load on Merrett.
He’s spending more time in the heart of the midfield, but the rapid progression he showed in his first two seasons is showing no signs of plateauing.
The 20 year old is averaging 28.7 possessions, ten contested possessions, five marks and six tackles midway through his third season.
His graduation from draft hopeful to established midfield regular has been rapid.
Merrett’s willingness to do extra sessions is well known within the Club but finding the balance is something he continues to work on.
“It’s something I’ve juggled with in the first couple of years. I probably struggled, especially in my first year, I was very obsessed with footy – I was in at the Club every day,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve had to work through with Jonah Oliver (Essendon Performance Psychologist), Dyson (Heppell) and now Chris (Judd).
“I’ve found ways now through university, through catching up with friends especially to switch off and then be ready and focused when I am at the Club.
“It’s a work in progress and still something that I juggle with.”
With Chris Judd and, in just a few months, Dyson Heppell guiding him, Merrett appears to be in good hands.
