Zach Merrett's rich vein of form is showing no signs of slowing down as the season reaches the final stage. 

For the sixth time in seven weeks, Merrett posted more than 30 possessions.

He collected 35 disposals against the Western Bulldogs after gathering 38 a week earlier against Gold Coast in his first game as Captain.

The 20-year-old leads the Bombers in disposals, contested possessions, tackles and metres gained. 

He’s averaged 29.7 possessions per game but over the last seven weeks he’s bumped that number up to 33 possessions per game and five tackles.

“He has been outstanding, both in the way he’s played but off field as well,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“We talk a lot about the experience that Kelly, Stokes and Crowley have added to the group.

“But you can’t underestimate the drive that this kid brings to the group.

“The leadership in the way he goes about his footy has been enormous. 

“It has been pleasure to observe him and watch him going about it and see the results that he’s been driving.”

Fellow youngster Joe Daniher has also made important steps in his development this season.

His two goals against the Bulldogs took his season tally to 38.

The 22 year old has only been held goalless twice in his 21 games this season, down from six times last year. 

Daniher’s high marking was a feature of his game on Sunday, but Worsfold knows there is one main area the key forward needs to improve.

“Ultimately Joe’s got to kick the goals that we expect him to kick,” he said.

“No one has got 100% accuracy, around the competition 65% seems pretty good.

“Joe is not at that level so he has to work really hard if he wants to be an elite footballer.”

Essendon’s circumstances this season have thrust the attention on to the development of its playing group, rather than the win/loss ratio.

Worsfold said the coaching group has implemented new elements to the game plan throughout the season to ensure the side is well placed for next year.

“We’ve worked really hard to make sure there is a lot gained out of the year,” he said.

“We haven’t just ticked off weeks and not looked for areas to learn. 

“We’ve given them some big challenges in terms of the way we’ve wanted them to play at times. 

“We’ve added parts of a game plan to them when it’s brand new, mid-season and they’ve had to learn it and have a go at it.

“Ultimately it’s all been about making sure that our squad is a better squad at the end of this season than it was a the start of the season.”