Zach Merrett just keeps doing Zach Merrett things.

The skipper’s already had his share of outstanding performances to kick off the first two months of the 2025 campaign, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one more instrumental in a result than Thursday night's.

Merrett’s imperious effort against the Roos was a key catalyst in the Dons holding on for a nervy three-point win and improving their record to 4-3.

Alongside the Captain, a couple of members of the Club’s 2020 National Draft class also looked impressive in the result.

Stats that mattered from round eight, thanks to Fujitsu:

Follow my lead

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.

If you were to ask a Dons fan for the archetypal Zach Merrett game, it’s fair to assume they’d immediately point to Thursday.

Merrett registered game-highs with 35 disposals (14 of them contested), nine score involvements, 12 ground ball gets and eight inside 50’s, along with 23 pressure acts.

Despite a terrific all-around game, it was the final quarter where the skipper truly shined.

With the game on the line, the 29-year-old gathered 11 disposals at 100 per cent efficiency, took four marks (two coming at crucial intercepting moments) and tallied three score involvements for the term.

Merrett is currently averaging 31 touches per game this season and is producing inspirational footy, emerging once again as a Brownlow fancy in many books.

Perkins finding form up forward

00:56

Rd 8 | Perkins pops up for pair as Bombers burst early

Archie Perkins gets Essendon off to a fast start with a couple of strong marks and finishes

After a self-admitted challenging finish to 2024, Archie Perkins has started this year with consistency.

Perkins’ three early goals and 352 metres gained on the night were key in propelling the first-half run that set up the Dons’ win, with the forward looking threatening in front of goal.

Finding a more set role at half forward, the 23-year-old is currently averaging career-highs of 16 disposals, four marks and nearly six score involvements per game.

With 33 score involvements over the first seven games, Perkins has now been involved in more than 21 per cent of the Club’s total scores this season.

Reid growing more reliable by the week

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 01: Zach Reid of the Bombers marksduring the round eight AFL match between Essendon Bombers and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium, on May 01, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

You can see why the Bombers want the ball in Zach Reid’s hands.

The key back went at 80 per cent efficiency from his 15 touches last week, showcasing his ability to drive the Dons forward with precise foot skills.

Reid also racked up a game-high nine spoils and an impressive seven tackles on the night, able to repel North’s advances in the air and at ground level.

Piecing together a nice run of form in the last month, Bomber fans are loving what they’re seeing from the 23-year-old.

Other notable numbers

Will Setterfield – Nine tackles, 26 pressure acts (both game-highs)

Archie Roberts, Xavier Duursma – Eight intercept possessions each (game-highs)

Sam Durham – 88 per cent efficiency from 25 disposals