ZACH MERRETT

ESSENDON v ADELAIDE CROWS Marvel Stadium, July 9

u Zach Merrett did his All-Australian hopes no harm with yet another dominant effort last Sunday, this time against Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.

As the Bombers opened up what turned out to be a matchwinning 37-point lead by half-time, Merrett was at his devastating best.

He collected 21 disposals in the first half, which included five inside-50s, three clearances and a goal.

While the Crows battled hard in the second term, Merrett’s leadership couldn’t have been more influential.

He went on to accumulate 39 possessions, seven score involvements, seven inside-50s and a game-high 687 metres gained.

Despite racking up the footy, Merrett’s selfless attitude that had been on display throughout 2023 was still at the forefront with his six tackles.

His round 17 performance was his best of the season from a statistical point of view.

That’s despite the skipper enjoying six other 30-plus disposal games and establishing himself as one of the stars of the competition.

In a year where not much was expected of the Bombers, Merrett’s season even has him in the frame for All-Australian captaincy honours.

And given he grew up just down the highway at Cobden, he’d love to celebrate his 200th game with a win over Geelong on Saturday night.

SEB MOTTRAM

AFL TRIVIA QUESTION #11

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