Zach Merrett on the track during the Bombers' pre-season. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett says he’s determined to “learn and grow” from his leadership group omission.

Merrett, 24, has featured in the leadership group for the past four seasons, holding the vice-captaincy from 2017 to 2019.

While he won’t be formally recognised as a leader in 2020, the All Australian said he’d quickly moved on and was focused on improving on and off the field.

“I think this was a really good process for us all to receive feedback and learn and grow,” Merrett said.

“I think ultimately this will hold me in good stead and aligns well with my vision to keep improving every day and getting the most out of myself and my teammates.

I think ultimately this will hold me in good stead and aligns well with my vision to keep improving every day and getting the most out of myself and my teammates.

- Zach Merrett

“I’m really grateful for the exposure I’ve had in the group previously and for me, I will continue to lead regardless of the title this season and beyond and support the new leadership group.

“You look at how Michael Hurley has approached his last 12 months and I take a lot of learnings from that. I’ll continue to hit the track and support Dyson and my teammates as we continue to prepare for the season.”

Merrett will enter his seventh season in the red and black on the back of a stellar 2019, which delivered him his second Crichton Medal.