“That was the criticism”: How Brad Scott has contributed to Zach Merrett's red-hot form

Zach Merrett has truly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the competition this year and his form has largely contributed to Essendon’s rise up the ranks.

The Bombers made a big MCG statement on Friday night against Collingwood with Brad Scott’s Essendon completely dominating large portions of the clash.

Despite the conceding five first quarter goals, the Bombers produced one of their best performances for the year with many now starting to believe in Essendon’s potential this year.

Merret, 31, had one of the best games of his career on Friday night with the skipper completely stuffing the stats sheet with 31 touches, 15 score involvements, 474 metres gained, six marks and one goal.

It was a truly special performance from the three-time All-Australian and his form this year is that of a player that’s in a good place both as a player and leader.

Channel Nine football reporter Tom Morris says Merrett’s relationship with coach Brad Scott has had a significant impact on his footy and leadership since Scott joined Essendon at the end of 2022 and is a major contributor to his 2024 form.

“You speak to people that know Zach Merrett and they tell you that the best thing for Zach Merrett has been Brad Scott,” Morris told SEN Crunch Time.

“Brad Scott comes in and says ‘Zach, your strengths are this, this and this and we don’t want you to worry about cultural and team building stuff and we’ll do all that around you’.

“That was the criticism on his leadership a few years ago that he was so focused on his own game that he couldn’t see outside the square.

“Zach Merrett’s focus has been on his own game and to lead from the front and Friday night’s 15 score involvements which was the second most for the year for any player, his player rating was 33.7 which is the second most for the year for any player.

“Brad Scott has had a significant impact on Zach Merrett’s career and that says something considering he was already a three-time All-Australian before he joined and was a multiple best and fairest winner.

“That coach-captain relationship between those two is as strong as any in the competition and probably as even as the Michael Voss and Patrick Cripps at Carlton.”

The Bombers will now enjoy an eight day break before playing Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night as they look to consolidate their spot in the top four.