AFL Player # 7: Indefatigable Zach Merrett (c) - 5 time Crichton Medallist! 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅

[Beerfish]

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent 2027
My Boy Draft 2024: Pick 10, I Remember Bluey

 

[The Donners]

Oh, I think he should be made captain from next year. New era, new captain!

 

[Blind Turn]

Legend! He had a better season than Parish from the perspective of nearly every Essendon person (yes, I know I shouldn’t be downplaying an amazing season from Darcy), yet somehow opposition supporters, a large chunk of the media, and the umps saw it the other way round. For him to edge out Parish suggests this was one of the better seasons by an Essendon player we’ve seen.

 

[eth-dog]

Legend! He had a better season than Parish from the perspective of nearly every Essendon person (yes, I know I shouldn’t be downplaying an amazing season from Darcy), yet somehow opposition supporters, a large chunk of the media, and the umps saw it the other way round. For him to edge out Parish suggests this was one of the better seasons by an Essendon player we’ve seen.

He was more consistent, but Parish's highs were higher

 

[WindyHillWarrior]

I'm not one for hyperbole, but he is on track to be a club all-time great - Tim and Jim levels.

Still standing by this.

3 best n fairests by 26 and about to peak all over the comp.

 

[doug85]

Best bomber post 2001 by the end of his career. Maybe even now.

 

[Yoda_]

He was more consistent, but Parish's highs were higher

I said this to the Mrs last night whilst fleetingly following the brownlow the night before.


Parish's best were phoenomanal, Merret was more consistant across 23 rounds.

 

[Yoda_]

Still standing by this.

3 best n fairests by 26 and about to peak all over the comp.

I was lucky enough to be old enough to witness the 2000 flags (Justin Blumfield was robbed of a Norm Smithby the way), but post that great era, Zac would have to be the best player Essendon has produced.

Paddy Ryder could have been up there had he not become a turncoat and went to Port Adelaide.

 

[Blind Turn]

Still standing by this.

3 best n fairests by 26 and about to peak all over the comp.

I was shot down a couple of years ago on the main board when I dared to suggest that while I understood why people might prefer Cripps, Merrett had proven himself to be on the same tier for what he had achieved in the game. Well, he’s probably surpassed him this year, what with Cripps having 2 largely uninspiring seasons in a row.

 

[11kgm]

if he doesn't win at least 2 more I'd be surprised never injured

club seem to rate him above others like Parish so no reason he isn't number 1 2 more times

 

[Vander18]

Have been critical in the past when I thought he was too focused on chasing easy touches. Was back hunting the ball and the man this season and when he does that he is out best player and probably the best small mid in the comp.

The touch and vision on some of his kicks this year was insane….very few can do what he does with ball in hand.

 

[Lore]

 

[ant555]

Have been critical in the past when I thought he was too focused on chasing easy touches. Was back hunting the ball and the man this season and when he does that he is out best player and probably the best small mid in the comp.

The touch and vision on some of his kicks this year was insane….very few can do what he does with ball in hand.

Agree. He has pretty much eliminated the lazy / cheap kick chasing and has been a lot more physical .

 

[lenny2013]

Definitely should be made captain next year.

 

[Haychh]

Definitely should be made captain next year.

It's Hepp's job for at least another couple years and rightfully so, he was fantastic this year.

 

[I Remember Bluey]

'A really special person': Rutten hails Merrett's growth as leader

Ben Rutten says Zach Merrett's feats off the field have been just as impressive as those on it.

www.essendonfc.com.au

'A really special person': Rutten hails Merrett's growth as leader
Ben Rutten

Ben Rutten

Age

41

Ht

190cm

Wt

98kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.4

3star

K

6.3

2star

HB

7.0

4star

M

5.3

5star

T

1.3

3star

No current season stats available

D

10.6

3star

K

6.2

3star

HB

4.4

4star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.0

3star

says Zach Merrett's feats off the field have been just as impressive as those on it.

 

[Call Me Cake]

(c)

 

[I Remember Bluey]

(c)

(a)

 

[cAsEy_18]

Very, very lucky to have him.

Those outside of Essendon might disagree, but whilst Bont, Oliver etc... are different sort of players, Merrett in my opinion is on the same level as them.
His ball usage is next level, and his leadership is solid, whilst improving.

I think it's still Heppell's job for next season, but whenever the time is right, could not be a more obvious handover to Zach when they're ready.

 

[Towno78]

I was lucky enough to be old enough to witness the 2000 flags (Justin Blumfield was robbed of a Norm Smithby the way), but post that great era, Zac would have to be the best player Essendon has produced.

Paddy Ryder could have been up there had he not become a turncoat and went to Port Adelaide.

Ah, wtf!?
In what world could anyone possibly believe that Blumfield was robbed of the Norm Smith in 2000? FFS

 

[ghostdog]

Very, very lucky to have him.

Those outside of Essendon might disagree, but whilst Bont, Oliver etc... are different sort of players, Merrett in my opinion is on the same level as them.
His ball usage is next level, and his leadership is solid, whilst improving.

I think it's still Heppell's job for next season, but whenever the time is right, could not be a more obvious handover to Zach when they're ready.

This time last year I was ropable about what I perceived to be Heppell's weak leadership. Happy to say I was probably being a reactionary jerk. Consistent game time and a new and influential role, consistent messaging from the coaches, and players playing better around him have clearly been impactful. He deserves to Captain for at least another year.

Last year I backed McGrath. Not sure now. Merrett looks logically to have the support of the senior coach. Guess we'll see how 2022 pans out.

 

[I Remember Bluey]

Happy Birthday Zach

 

[bomberman500]

(c)

Coaching succession plans are so yesterday...

lets lead the pack and have a captaincy succession plan

/s

 

[blitzer]

I'm thinking Heppell captain 2022, then Merrett for about 3 years then McGrath. Something like that.

 

[boncer34]

I'm thinking Heppell captain 2022, then Merrett for about 3 years then McGrath. Something like that.

Merrett than Ridley

 

[bomberman500]

Merrett for as long as he wants it.

He contemplated leaving the club due to our lack of a hard edge. He would be the captain we need to crack the whip to compete with the league leaders