Star midfielder Zach Merrett has turned his back on free agency and will all but be a Bomber for life after agreeing to terms on a six-year contract extension.

The two-time Crichton medallist put pen to paper on a new deal on Thursday, which will see him remain at the NEC Hangar until at least the end of 2027.

Drafted from Cobden in regional Victoria at pick No.26 in the 2013 national draft, Merrett has made a stellar contribution to the Bombers’ midfield in his 154 senior games to date.

With a string of accolades to his name including All-Australian honours in 2017, Merrett currently ranks fourth across the competition in total inside 50s and sixth in total disposals.

The 25-year-old played his 150^th game in round eight, missing just 11 games since his debut to become the seventh quickest in Essendon history to reach the milestone.

Merrett said he was thrilled to remain in the red and black and all but cement his future as a one-club player. 

“It’s a privilege to play for the Essendon Football Club and I’m really excited to have agreed to terms on a new deal,” Merrett said.

“There’s no doubt the direction that the club is heading is the most exciting part. We are really clear in where we’re headed under Truck (Ben Rutten) and this new football program is very clearly united and aligned. 

“The environment is something I wanted to continue to be a part of. It’s really enjoyable watching the energy the young players are bringing to the club at the moment. 

“Ultimately, it’s on us as a playing group to drive our own future success, so I’m rapt my future is here with the Bombers.”

General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Merrett’s re-signing was a reflection on his belief in the Bombers’ direction.

“Zach is an elite midfielder in the AFL, and we are delighted that he will remain with the club for at least the next six years,” Dodoro said.

“He is a considered and diligent young man, who very openly weighed up this important decision on his future. Zach had our full support in doing so as part of the process, and we’re really pleased to have now reached this outcome.

“Zach is the ultimate professional who demands the best out of himself and his teammates for the betterment of the football club. He can clearly see the exciting path that this football program is headed, and we know he will continue to showcase his strong leadership capabilities both on and off the field to support our exciting young playing group to achieve success over the years to come.”

Merrett’s re-signing follows that of Devon Smith, Mason Redman, Harrison Jones, Brayden Ham, Nick Bryan and Alec Waterman in recent weeks.

This news is brought to you by Orchard HRO, the club's official recruitment and list management partner.