Zach Merrett will run out for his 50^th game with the Bombers when they take on the Giants on Sunday.

Essendon selected the former Geelong Falcons player with the 26^th pick in the 2013 National Draft.

He made his debut in round one of 2014 and went on to play 20 games that season and picking up Essendon’s Rising Star award.

Merrett continued his rapid progress last year and was named the Club’s most improved player at the end of the season.

“It has flown by, it just feels like yesterday that I was drafted and trying to impress everyone at the Club,” Merrett told Bomber Radio.

“I remember just walking around and pinching myself looking at Dyson Heppell and Jobe Watson and Brendon Goddard and those types of guys.

“I remember stretching with Jobe at my first training session – it was very daunting stretching with the Captain of the Club.

“It’s gone really quick and it’s been really great.”

Merrett got a taste of finals football in his first season, but wins have been hard to come by since.

“It’s still very enjoyable,” Merrett said.

“Although the results haven’t been as I’d like them I think there is a greater vision in place for the Essendon footy Club to achieve. 

“I’m really working hard, along with the other boys, to get to that vision.”

The absence of several Bombers stars has opened the door for Merrett to spend more time in the midfield this season, after roaming across half-forward and on the wing for the majority of his first two years.

“Obviously the loads have gone up a lot compared to previous years due to the circumstances and being a third year player,” Merrett said.

“There is a lot of bang and crash and a lot more explosive running compared to the forward line.

“I was well-prepared throughout the pre-season so it’s been good.”