Merrett steps away from the captaincy in 2026 after one of the most individually decorated tenures in Club history. Across 12 seasons and counting, the midfielder has been remarkably consistent and frequently ranks among the league's best year-on-year. Only two men in history have won more Crichton Medals than Merrett, speaking volumes of his standing in the extensive annals at Bomberland.
ZachMerrett
Merrett steps away from the captaincy in 2026 after one of the most individually decorated tenures in Club history. Across 12 seasons and counting, the midfielder has been remarkably consistent and frequently ranks among the league's best year-on-year. Only two men in history have won more Crichton Medals than Merrett, speaking volumes of his standing in the extensive annals at Bomberland.
Gold Sponsor
Carl Cutropia
Silver Sponsors
Colin Harris
Bronze Sponsor
Avi Gough
Total Games-
Total Goals-
DOB-
Debut-
Draft-
Brownlow Votes128
Recruited From-
Honours
Team and player honours
All Australian
Years award won:
2017, 2021, 2023
Crichton Medal
Years award won:
2016, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025
Crichton Medal runner-up
Years award won:
2020, 2022
Crichton Medal third place
Years award won:
2018
Essendon Captain
Years award won:
2023 - Present
Anzac Medal
Years award won:
2024
Yiooken Award
Years award won:
2023
International Rules Series
Years award won:
2017
AFLPA 22under22 team
Years award won:
2016, 2017, 2018
McCracken Medal
Years award won:
2023, 2024, 2025
Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star
Years award won:
2015
AFL Rising Star nominee
Years award won:
Round 11, 2014
John Kilby Best Clubman
Years award won:
2016
Bill Hutchison Community Award
Years award won:
2017
Key Stats & Performance
Benchmarking Explained
StatSeason Avg. v Career Avg.Top Season PerformanceTop Career Performance
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Latest Player Videos
00:42
Highlights
Highlights
Rd 1 | ‘G erupts as Merrett owns the moment with huge goal
Zach Merrett lands a brilliant major and soaks in the noise from a roaring crowd.
03:41
Pre-season | Zach Merrett interview
Hear from Zach Merrett as he wraps up the first week of preseason, sharing how it feels to get stuck back in and what he’s most looking forward to in the weeks ahead.
07:51
Crichton Medal | Winner: Zach Merrett speech
Hear from the winner of the 2025 Crichton Medal
05:17
Highlights | Merrett reaches 250
Celebrate Essendon captain Zach Merrett as he reaches his 250th game, relive some of his greatest moments from an incredible career ahead of the clash with Carlton.
01:13
Rd 14 | Merrett media conference
Zach Merrett speaks to the media ahead of Essendon's Round 14 Country Round clash with Geelong.
02:25
Rd 12 | Merrett post-game
Hear from Captain Zach Merrett following Essendon's loss to Brisbane in round 12.
02:13
Rd 8 | Captain Merrett muscles his Dons home
Bombers skipper Zach Merrett lifts his side with some elite ball use and relentless drive in a 35-disposal masterclass.
01:46
Rd 7 Anzac Day | Merrett post-game
Hear from Zach Merrett following Essendon's ANZAC Day loss to Collingwood.
00:33
Rd 1 | Merrett mesmerises from boundary
Bombers captain Zach Merrett delivers a moment of brilliance, threading a stunning goal from a tight angle to fire up his side.
05:56
Zach Merrett and Andy McGrath to lead the Dons in 2025
Captain and Vice-Captain speak on how proud they are to lead the Club for a third straight season.
Latest Player News
‘I'm just really keen to get around my teammates and make the fans proud’: Merrett discusses return to pre-season
Dons No.7 on the opportunities that lay ahead for 2026.
Rounds 1-5 Liberty Player of the Month: Zach Merrett
Captain voted player of the month for rounds 1-5.
Crichton Contender: Zach Merrett
Dons skipper aiming for fifth Crichton Medal.
Brownlow wrap: Merrett moves past Madden to enter rare air
Dons skipper sits third on all-time leaderboard.
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