Essendon’s young players have been given an insight into what life was like for Australia’s troops on the front line.

The 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment, at the Simpson Army Barracks in Melbourne, hosted the development group.

The players heard accounts about what the diggers experienced as they fought for their country. 

“The sacrifice that people make to go over those trenches in World War One is just unbelievable,” Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett said.

“It’s pretty scary to think about what they went through.” 

Merrett is 19.  The same age many of those soldiers were when they were killed in combat.

“You’re just so thankful that you didn’t have to go away and fight,” Merrett said.

“You feel like you’re a part of everyone that went away and fought at war.” 

This will be Merrett’s second Anzac Day match. 

Far from daunted by the big stage, Merrett impressed in the corresponding match last season when he gathered 13 possessions and kicked a goal in just his third senior match.

“I was super excited to be playing on such a big day.  To be a small part of Anzac Day is such an honour and a very special feeling.”