Say Zach Merrett around any Essendon supporter and they will immediately know who you are talking about.

While the dedication and hard work on and off the field may be well known within Essendon’s four walls, the youngster’s profile is now also starting to build among the external AFL community. 

Having played alongside some of the elite midfielders of the game, veteran James Kelly is one of those who has been quietly surprised by Merrett’s work ethic and skill. 

Only joining the Bombers earlier this year, the triple premiership player admitted that before arriving at the Club, he had very little knowledge of the Merrett’s true ability.

“I honestly didn’t know a lot about Zach,” said Kelly on Bomber Radio 

“I knew that he was an Essendon player, but I never actually watched him closely and he’s someone that is a much better player than I’d probably given him credit for.”

The glowing review from one of the game’s stars has been well earned by the young Bomber.

Taken with pick number 26 in the 2013 National Draft, Merrett impressed coach’s immediately, playing 20 games in his debut year. 

Playing mostly as a small forward in 2014, Merrett was given the opportunity to move into the midfield during 2015 after some key Bombers suffered injuries in the early rounds of the season.  

He was more than up to the challenge, proving to be a shining light in what was a disappointing season for the team. 

Averaging 22 disposals, six tackles and three clearances a game, Merrett was on track for an outstanding season until he was cruelly struck down with a foot injury late in the year. 

Now, fully fit, the youngster has picked up exactly where he left off averaging 28 disposals in the opening five games of the season.

Kelly, who has witnessed first hand the dedication that Merrett has to his training, believes that the qualities that he is displaying will serve him in the future.

“He’s a brilliant player, really smart, a really good leader, just a really composed kid who thinks a lot about his footy,” said Kelly

“He’ll be a really good player and a good leader for this Club in the future.”