Essendon champion Zach Merrett has been urged to clean up the defensive side of his game after a number of “zero intensity” efforts in Saturday’s loss to GWS.
Merrett’s performance under scrutiny
Merrett was one of the Bombers’ better players in the narrow loss, finishing with 31 disposals, four tackles and four clearances. However, his defensive accountability was called into question by Channel 7 expert Kane Cornes, who highlighted several incidents from the match.
Cornes highlights defensive lapses
In a segment on The Agenda Setters, Cornes pointed out moments where Merrett failed to defend effectively. He noted that Merrett lost touch with opponent Toby Greene around goal, delivered a couple of poor disposals, and allowed Lachie Ash to run past him in transition.
“I don’t like the way Zach Merrett is playing at all. I just do not like the lack of defensive accountability,” Cornes said. “So firstly on Toby Greene, just let him walk in to an easy goal, which should have been. Then I’m going to go take the kick out. I’m just going to lazily turn that ball over.”
Cornes continued: “Zach Merrett playing with zero intensity at all. Hospital handball only saved by the toughness of (Sam) Durham. And this is the worst of them. With Lachie Ash, side by side ... but not side by side anymore. The minute the ball goes, I’m just going to chase over, hopefully the ball turns over. I’ll get an easy one.”
“Zoom. Past goes Lachie Ash, you wonder why Essendon are so poor defensively and the Giants transition the ball from their back half to their forward 50 so easily because players like Zach Merrett do not want to defend and it’s not good enough and they’ve got to clamp down on that.”
Merrett’s off-season and form
Merrett and the club endured a tumultuous off-season when he requested a trade to Hawthorn that ultimately never eventuated after the two parties failed to agree on a deal. The 30-year-old stepped down as captain in the aftermath, but patched things up with teammates and the club over the off-season.
He hasn’t missed a beat this season. Aside from one poor outing against North Melbourne, Merrett has averaged 27 disposals and appears on track for a staggering seventh best and fairest award.
Essendon’s season struggles
Essendon remain in 17th place on the ladder with just one win — over Melbourne — from their opening nine matches. They face high-flying Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
