Jackson Merrett will rejoin the senior team after a string of strong performances for Essendon VFL.

Merrett showed good signs in the first three games of the season, but was challenged by the Coaches to take his performances to the next level.

Over the last seven games with Essendon VFL, Merrett has shown great consistency and diversity averaging 26 disposals, four tackles and kicking nine goals.

The 23-year-old’s performance last week against the Tigers would have been hard for the Coaches to ignore. 

Merrett’s 33-disposals, six tackles and a crucial goal in the last quarter, would not go unnoticed on the day as he was awarded the ‘Sir Doug Nicholls Award’ for the best player on the ground.

Coach John Worsfold has been particularly impressed with the attitude that the youngster has shown and believes that he has earned a call-up to the senior side.

Worsfold, alongside the other coaches, wanted to see Merrett build on the basic foundations of his game and improve his consistency. 

“A big part of what Jacko has been working on is consistency across four quarters and making sure that, in a quiet quarter, he doesn’t let that drag on into the rest of the game,” said Worsfold 

“Also, his ball use under real pressure. So a bit of ball security and making sure that he makes better decision, which has been a strong focus for him.”

Merrett is one of two Essendon VFL players included in this week’s team, with Will Hams also named for his first game of 2016. 

The two have been among the best in the VFL for a number of weeks, with both expected to be able to play a number of different roles against the Dockers.