June 11, 2026
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Interim senior coach Dean Solomon says Zach Merrett will continue his role across half back.
AFLRATINGS Fantasy Impact: Zach Merrett played across half back last week in a significant positional change, he was used at 41.7% of team kick ins against the Blues in Round 13. Merrett had been used sparingly in defence under Brad Scott earlier this season but the change in senior coach has altered Merrett’s role. His scoring rate should remain quite healthy, he recorded 33 disposals last week (AF: 126, PPM: 1.45).
Season: 109.8 (AF), 1.33 (PPM)
August 11, 2025
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett (hand) has undergone surgery and will miss Round 23 (via Essendon).
August 9, 2025
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett sustained a hand injury on Friday night and is set to miss Round 23 (via Nat Yoannidis).
November 11, 2024
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett started the first day of pre-season with his left thumb strapped, the strapping is common for Merrett who finished the 2024 season with a similar protective measure.
April 12, 2024
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett recorded 27 disposals, 6 marks and 4 tackles in Round 5 against the Bulldogs.
AFLRATINGS Fantasy Impact: Zach Merrett was solid again on Friday night finishing with 104pts (AF), he has scored 100pts or more in 100.0% of games this season (Season Ave: 119.2). He did see an increase in centre bounce usage compared to last week, Merrett was used at a team-high 82.1% of centre bounces against the Bulldogs. Merrett might be looking forward to his next game against Adelaide, he scored 150pts last year against the Crows at Marvel Stadium.
April 5, 2024
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett recorded 36 disposals, 6 marks and 5 tackles in Round 4 against Port Adelaide.
AFLRATINGS Fantasy Impact: Another strong outing from Zach Merrett on Friday night, his start to the 2024 season has been clearly outstanding. Merrett was used at 69.2% of team centre bounces against the Power, senior coach Brad Scott mixed up the centre bounce rotation due to a poor team clearance rate. Merrett scored a season-high 135pts in Round 5 (AF), he is averaging 123.0pts this season.
February 27, 2024
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett (ankle) did not train on Tuesday but is expected to play this week (via Mitch Cleary).
February 23, 2024
Zach Merrett update
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa said the concern for Zach Merrett on Friday was just a rolled ankle and that it was planned for him only to play a half.
December 9, 2023
Zach Merrett Role
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett says he’ll need to adjust his midfield role in 2024 to allow for other players to develop.
Fantasy Impact
While not overly concerning at this stage of the pre-season it is certainly noteworthy for Zach Merrett. He’ll remain an important part of the Essendon midfield continuing to have major impact at stoppage/clearance situations as well as around the ground in open space. His starting position may vary each week and within games but his fantasy scoring output should remain strong.
July 6, 2023
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Adelaide assistant coach Mick Godden says Ben Keays likely won’t be too far away from Zach Merrett this week (via SEN).
July 6, 2023
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Senior coach Brad Scott says it is possible Ben Keays (Adelaide) will got to Zach Merrett this week but it doesn’t concern him. Scott added that Merrett has the flexibility to play different roles.
June 22, 2023
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Fremantle senior coach Justin Longmuir says they’ll keep an eye on Zach Merrett in Round 15 with the possibility of a tag.
April 18, 2023
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett lost his appeal at the AFL Tribunal and will miss Round 6.
April 17, 2023
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett will challenge his one-match suspension at the AFL Tribunal.
April 16, 2023
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett has been suspended for one-match suspension by the AFL MRO.
April 15, 2023
AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett recorded 35 disposals, 3 marks and 7 tackles in Round 5 against Melbourne.
