Jackson Merrett will play his 50^th AFL game on Thursday when the Bombers meet West Coast at Domain Stadium.

The 23 year old made his debut in the final home and away match of the 2012 season after arriving at the Club almost a year earlier via the 31^st pick in the National Draft.

Merrett has been used as a defensive forward and in the midfield.  He picked up 35 possessions against Carlton in 2014 and this season he’s averaging 19 disposals per game. 

After playing the opening three games under Coach John Worsfold, Merrett was left out of the side and had to wait until round 11 for a recall.

The match against the Eagles will be Merrett’s fourth in a row and Worsfold said cementing a spot in the line-up would be the former Geelong Falcon’s next challenge.

“Obviously it has taken him a bit longer to get to 50 games,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“He hasn’t been a consistent player at senior level in terms of playing week in, week out.

“He’s still got areas he can keep improving on and we’ve seen some of that this year. 

“Jacko is still working to become a first selected player and that’s a great goal for him to have.”

James Gwilt will also reach a milestone when he runs out for his 150^th game. 

The defender spent the first ten years of his career at St Kilda where he played in nine finals, including two Grand Finals.

He crossed to the Bombers at the end of the 2014 season and has played 23 games for the Club since his arrival.

“Jimmy has been around the game for a long time and this year, with our situation, he’s stepped up into the leadership group and he’s been a great source of support for myself and the other leaders around the Club,” Worsfold said.

“His experience, knowledge and his voice have been outstanding.”