If Zach Merrett hit the ground running in 2014, he was at lightning pace this season.
At only 19 years old, Merrett has shown a football maturity that well surpasses his years.
It is not uncommon to see the younger Merrett brother at the club after hours, spending his time watching back game footage, talking to coaches and players, or completing extra skill sessions in order to take his game to the next level.
His hard work has been noticed and rewarded by the coaches as he played every game this season until suffering a foot injury in round 18 against the Western Bulldogs.
Merrett was consistently among the best players, especially in rounds 10,11 and 13 where he put together three consecutive personal best performances.
Aside from being able to win the contested ball, his pressure off the ball was also a notable part of Merrett’s game.
Fast and strong, Merrett laid 98 tackles for the season, causing numerous turnovers from the pressure he was able to apply.
Whether he played on the wing, as a high half forward, in the middle or on the ball, Merrett showed even more signs that he is going to be a champion footballer in years to come.
On the back of such a strong season, will Zach Merrett become the youngest player since Dick Reynolds to claim the Crichton Medal?
