The Merrett brothers used to play football in their family backyard for years, but now they will play together at one of the oldest and most successful club’s in the AFL.

At last night’s 2013 AFL National Draft, Zach Merrett was taken with Essendon’s first selection at pick 26, joining his older brother Jackson and in the process, creating a new family dynasty to join the likes of the Fletchers, Watsons and Danihers.

“It’s an amazing feeling. It is pretty hard to put in to words as it is just an amazing club, and with the proud history it has,” Merrett said.

“It makes it that little bit more special I think, firstly to go to a club but then to have your brother there is the cream on top.

“Mum just started crying. She is super excited and is so happy that we are at the same place.”

Merrett, who hails from Cobden, was praised for his elite burst of pace and classy ball use and was widely acknowledged as one of the better users of the ball in this year’s draft. Merrett recorded the quickest decision-making times at the AFL Draft Combine in October.

List Manager Adrian Dodoro said despite the AFL’s penalties which limited the club from a first round selection, he believed the club had made up some ground by selecting the pacey midfielder.

“We think that he has got a lot of ability, although he is a bit different to his brother,” Dodoro said.

“A lot of the really good midfielders went early, but we were able to cover some ground by getting him.

“He is a left foot dynamo and is elite in a lot of areas. He is a beautiful kick with good run and carry. Zach has a bit of the x-factor.”

Merrett said he was thrilled to be joining Jackson under coach Bomber Thompson.

“Bomber obviously has a lot of knowledge and my brother speaks very highly of him so it will be good to get to know him,” Merrett said.

“We had spoken before the draft and I was hopeful of coming, but you can never be too sure.

“When they read my name out, it was just a huge sense of excitement. I am just so glad to be at the club.”

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