19 Facts About Zach Merrett

Zachary Merrett was born on 3 October 1995 and is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League.

Zach Merrett played every game for Vic Country and impressed in many; he took that form into the end of the TAC Cup season, where he was a consistent contributor for the Sandringham Dragons.

Zach Merrett is the younger brother and former teammate of Jackson Merrett.

Zach Merrett made his debut in the opening round of the 2014 AFL season against North Melbourne.

Zach Merrett was named as the substitute and came on late in the game, replacing Martin Gleeson.

Zach Merrett was rewarded with a nomination for the 2014 AFL Rising Star after he collected 22 disposals, three tackles, and two goals in the round 11 win against Richmond.

The 2015 AFL season saw Zach Merrett spend more time in the midfield.

Zach Merrett had another fantastic season, collecting 659 disposals, receiving his first selection in the All-Australian team, and being named vice-captain in the 22under22 team for the second year in a row.

Zach Merrett was continuously tagged throughout the year, but he showed signs of improvement as Essendon worked towards a resurgence.

In January of the 2019 pre-season, Zach Merrett injured his ankle, resulting in the use of a moon boot for 2 weeks; however, he was available for selection in round 1.

Zach Merrett went on to return to near his best football during the 2019 season, which was capped off with a second club best and fairest award, comfortable suppassing new Essendon recruit Dylan Shiel.

Zach Merrett started the 2021 season in great form with 31 disposals and a goal in Essendon's round 1 loss to Hawthorn.

In 2022, Zach Merrett had another consistent season, finishing runner-up in the Best and Fairest behind first-time winner Peter Wright.

On 21 February 2023, Zach Merrett was named the captain of the Essendon Football Club, succeeding Dyson Heppell.

Zach Merrett won the Yiooken Award for his best-on-ground performance in Essendon's 1-point win over Richmond in the 2023 edition of Dreamtime at the 'G.

In 2024, Zach Merrett won the Anzac Medal for his performance in the annual Anzac Day match against Collingwood, in a match that was drawn.

Zach Merrett plays as an outside-inside midfielder with the ability to win the ball at the source of the contest.

Zach Merrett was regarded as one of the best footy decision-makers out of the 2013 AFL draft pool and uses his left foot as a penetrating weapon to spot up teammates inside the 50-metre arc.

Zach Merrett is known for his defensive work efforts and, as of July 2023, averages over 5 tackles a game.