Zach Merrett will on Saturday become the seventh quickest in Essendon history to play 150 games, taking 2606 days to reach the milestone.

And if you take last year’s shutdown period and shortened season out of the equation, the 25-year-old might have just taken Tim Watson’s spot in third behind Gary O’Donnell (2506 days) and Mark Johnson (2334).

Since making his debut in the opening round of 2014, Merrett has missed just 11 games on his way to two Crichton Medals and a 2017 All-Australian selection.

It’s rare air for durability, but perhaps no fluke for Merrett, who has long been touted as one of the most meticulous preparers.

Even before arriving at Essendon, Merrett stunned Adrian Dodoro and his recruiting team with his ability to reel off every club sponsor and Board member during his draft interview.

That quickly translated on-field in his first pre-season at the club, where Merrett singled out a few experienced teammates to help set the platform for a largely untarnished run of games. 

“It’s a bit surreal to be playing game 150 so early, but super exciting,” Merrett told Dons Digital.

“From day one, I was pretty lucky to watch guys like Dyson Heppell, David Zaharakis and Brendon Goddard and the way in which they prepare to play and train consistently. They’ve given me some great habits since day one, so I understand how important it is to have good guidance and mentorship.

“It’s (durability) probably been a bit of that and working with the sports science team, who have been awesome since I got to the club. I’ve formed some pretty close relationships with those guys, who have kept me on the park for the most part.

“I’ve always loved playing sport and hated missing out. The ability in the off-seasons and pre-seasons to not miss sessions has held me in really good stead.” 

A talented junior cricketer from Cobden in south-west Victoria, Merrett was awarded a scholarship to Melbourne Grammar and made Victorian under-age sides before choosing to pursue a footy career.

The Bombers were grateful he made the switch, selecting the smooth mover with the No.26 pick in the 2013 national draft to re-unite him with his older brother Jackson.

While Merrett has since been an ever-present in the Essendon line-up, he’s seen plenty of change on the coaching front, with four full-time coaches – James Hird, Mark Thompson, John Worsfold and now Ben Rutten – serving at the helm.

He said he was enjoying the stability and direction under Rutten, who reinstated Merrett to a four-man leadership group ahead of the 2021 season.

“There’s been a lot of change since day one,” Merrett said.

“To have Ben (Rutten) now in a stable position, he’s brought a lot of his own thoughts and new beliefs that the guys are really enjoying. He’s able to connect with the players, but be pretty firm as well.

“He’s providing some great consistency, and that’s something I’m really enjoying. Probably the best part has been the connection back to our history and really enjoying and soaking that up for what it is, while still trying to forge our own path.” 

While there’s still plenty more to come in Merrett’s burgeoning career, Bombers fans will be hoping to see their star No.7 create more history in the red and black for years to come.

Stay tuned for Dons Digital’s video interview with Merrett, where he discusses his favourite moments in the journey to 150 games, his biggest influences and what drives him.

RACE TO 150: QUICKEST IN ESSENDON HISTORY

1. Mark Johnson (2334 days)
2. Gary O'Donnell (2506)
3. Tim Watson (2538)
4. Sean Wellman (2570)
5. Terry Daniher (2583)
6. Jack Jones (2604)
7. Zach Merrett (2606)

MERRETT'S CAREER AT A GLANCE

Games: 149
Goals: 47
Average disposals: 26
Brownlow votes: 74
Major awards: Crichton Medal (2016, 2019), All Australian (2017)