AFL Player 7: Indefatigable Zach Merrett (c) Wins 6th Crichton Medal - Congratulations Zach

[Yoda_]

Really?

I think in games we have been admirable he'll get 1-2 votes.

Possibly 3 against Saints, depending if Stevens gets them.

Chucked a sneaky $20 each way on Jack Steven at $26

Likely 6 votes against us and anotherguaranteed 6 votes in two other games. Has a solid history of polling votes in losses two.

 

[DapperDon]

Chucked a sneaky $20 each way on Jack Steven at $26

Likely 6 votes against us and anotherguaranteed 6 votes in two other games. Has a solid history of polling votes in losses two.

His odds are definitely too good at the moment to not chuck a cheeky $20.

 

[Halftimehero]

Chucked a sneaky $20 each way on Jack Steven at $26

Likely 6 votes against us and anotherguaranteed 6 votes in two other games. Has a solid history of polling votes in losses two.

Big chance at 3 vote games still to come with a good draw for the Saints, possibly 4 wins to finish off with.

 

[Jade]

He's going to win this Crichton by such a large margin that they won't be able to award another one until 2021.

 

[yaco55]

Been scratching my head for 3 years to find a player likeness for Zac. Reckon he moves like Barry Cable.

 

[calyam]

Been scratching my head for 3 years to find a player likeness for Zac. Reckon he moves like Barry Cable.

Just settle on Gary Ablett Jr and be done with it.

 

[ant555]

Getting plenty of applause and so he should but he will have to work on his defensive work rate next year if we are to make the next step. It is great he is getting plenty of the ball, making a lot of good tackles etc but has to improve the defensive running which has been very poor at various stages this year.
Having a great, year, is a genuine star in the making, just has to iron out the odd lazy minute he can have.

 

[eDPS]

Getting plenty of applause and so he should but he will have to work on his defensive work rate next year if we are to make the next step. It is great he is getting plenty of the ball, making a lot of good tackles etc but has to improve the defensive running which has been very poor at various stages this year.
Having a great, year, is a genuine star in the making, just has to iron out the odd lazy minute he can have.

Gets the most pressure acts for us every week and would do a hell of a lot more defensive running than most other gun midfielders.

 

[ant555]

Gets the most pressure acts for us every week and would do a hell of a lot more defensive running than most other gun midfielders.

Pressure acts and defensive running, two different things. Defensive running to position, very important, my big beef with Stanton's game over the years and Jobe's. Zack is a little like Jobe in that he often watches the play after being involved rather than switching on to the next phase of play. Nothing wrong with his tackling and pressure but can have times where he does not switch on 100%. Easy stuff like jogging to an opponent and having a quick rest rather than standing still. Yes a lot of elite mids do not do it but we have a team full of mids who do not do it so someone has to. Be elite like Hodge, Mitchell or Lewis. Particularly Mitchell who is not super defensive but works into an area he can defend while he is having a rest. It is the small things that everyone does that make the difference.

 

[eDPS]

Pressure acts and defensive running, two different things. Defensive running to position, very important, my big beef with Stanton's game over the years and Jobe's. Zack is a little like Jobe in that he often watches the play after being involved rather than switching on to the next phase of play. Nothing wrong with his tackling and pressure but can have times where he does not switch on 100%. Easy stuff like jogging to an opponent and having a quick rest rather than standing still. Yes a lot of elite mids do not do it but we have a team full of mids who do not do it so someone has to. Be elite like Hodge, Mitchell or Lewis. Particularly Mitchell who is not super defensive but works into an area he can defend while he is having a rest. It is the small things that everyone does that make the difference.

I'm sure Mitchell wouldn't harass and chase as much as Merrett does he is probly too tired most of the time and kee in mind he is only in his 3rd year, still alot of time for him to improve in that area

 

[ant555]

I'm sure Mitchell wouldn't harass and chase as much as Merrett does he is probly too tired most of the time and kee in mind he is only in his 3rd year, still alot of time for him to improve in that area

I know he is only third year, why is it when you point out an area a young bloke has to improve in people want to defend him ? It is not like i said he will never get it.
It is pretty simple really. I go to games, i watch this stuff. It is how i look at footy, it is why i got into recruiting. It is just how i see the game. I am not saying it is bad, all i am saying is it is the difference between being 8/10 and 9/10. The small things that make your side elite.
Supporters go and watch the game, i have the coach curse so i go and see all the problem areas where things are going wrong, do not know why it just happens like that.
Every player in the comp has areas they can improve on. Zack's is he can be better defensively with a few small modifications to his game.

 

[eDPS]

I know he is only third year, why is it when you point out an area a young bloke has to improve in people want to defend him ? It is not like i said he will never get it.
It is pretty simple really. I go to games, i watch this stuff. It is how i look at footy, it is why i got into recruiting. It is just how i see the game. I am not saying it is bad, all i am saying is it is the difference between being 8/10 and 9/10. The small things that make your side elite.
Supporters go and watch the game, i have the coach curse so i go and see all the problem areas where things are going wrong, do not know why it just happens like that.
Every player in the comp has areas they can improve on. Zack's is he can be better defensively with a few small modifications to his game.

Not saying his the perfect player at all, still has areas to improve, can sometimes kick without thinking or rush his kicks. I just believe the thing your saying he should work on isn't a major issue. lacks some elite things other mids do but is also elite in other things that other mids cant do.

 

[ant555]

Not saying his the perfect player at all, still has areas to improve, can sometimes kick without thinking or rush his kicks. I just believe the thing your saying he should work on isn't a major issue. lacks some elite things other mids do but is also elite in other things that other mids cant do.

Defensive mind set is Essendons biggest issue and has been for at least 10 seasons. One reason we have been so poor has been the lack of defensive work from all our midfielders. We have had very few blokes who block and work all that well in defensive zone. Some that can tackle and pressure yes but not that many who work in a similar manner to Hawthorn, Sydney or Geelong mids of the last 6 or so years. Of course there are variations and really good players like Ablett can often be found wanting on the defense issue but in general they find a way to be in a dangerous area that puts the opposition in two minds even if they are not making tackles or chasing all the time.

I will say again our MAJOR issue has been this. We have had only Hocking as the bloke who really gets it which is why he was first picked every week despite him not being the best player.

You can look at the Saints as an example, very good when the whole side is on song, defending hard, running to position, very poor when 3 or 4 drop off and it only takes a couple of guys to drop off for it to unfold very quickly. He who defends all areas best for the longest gets the rewards.

 

[eDPS]

Defensive mind set is Essendons biggest issue and has been for at least 10 seasons. One reason we have been so poor has been the lack of defensive work from all our midfielders. We have had very few blokes who block and work all that well in defensive zone. Some that can tackle and pressure yes but not that many who work in a similar manner to Hawthorn, Sydney or Geelong mids of the last 6 or so years. Of course there are variations and really good players like Ablett can often be found wanting on the defense issue but in general they find a way to be in a dangerous area that puts the opposition in two minds even if they are not making tackles or chasing all the time.

I will say again our MAJOR issue has been this. We have had only Hocking as the bloke who really gets it which is why he was first picked every week despite him not being the best player.

You can look at the Saints as an example, very good when the whole side is on song, defending hard, running to position, very poor when 3 or 4 drop off and it only takes a couple of guys to drop off for it to unfold very quickly. He who defends all areas best for the longest gets the rewards.

Its something you would hope Bluey McKenna is working on, guys like Parish and Merrett look like they want to get the best out of themselves and willing to learn and with Hocking coming back id hope to see improvement in the midfield as a whole and in that area next year.

 

[Whispering_Jack]

He's going to win this Crichton by such a large margin that they won't be able to award another one until 2021.

Agree... However, that's hardly a positive...

 

[DERO]

Some great insight Ant555.

 

[citizen-erased]

Been scratching my head for 3 years to find a player likeness for Zac. Reckon he moves like Barry Cable.

Sam Mitchell Mk2.

 

[habib1984]

Sam Mitchell Mk2.

his faster than sam

 

[eDPS]

He reminds me of Chapman a bit

 

[Old Campaigner]

his faster than sam

less of a campaigner too

 

[Vindicater]

Really hope he gets selected in the All Australian squad of 40. Think that would be a good way for the season to end.

 

[yaco55]

More convinced than ever Zack moves like Cable.

 

[MAAAATTDAAAAMON]

Really hope he gets selected in the All Australian squad of 40. Think that would be a good way for the season to end.

If he finishes the year in the same way it will be an outrage if he's not in the 40.

Is he a genuine chance at making the 22? Feels like the whole playing in a bottom team and this being his 'first good year' (according to stupid media folk) will cost against him.

 

[Vindicater]

If he finishes the year in the same way it will be an outrage if he's not in the 40.

Is he a genuine chance at making the 22? Feels like the whole playing in a bottom team and this being his 'first good year' (according to stupid media folk) will cost against him.

He won't make the actual team and likely won't make the top 40.

Would be nice if he did though.

 

[yaco55]

Certainty to make the 40.