Essendon captain Zach Merrett on the Bombers’ clear expectations for 2025

Superstar midfielder Zach Merrett will captain Essendon for a third season and he believes the club is developing a clearer identity.

Essendon captain Zach Merrett says the Bombers are “getting clearer day-by-day” on their expectations and how they’ll stack up this season.

Merrett was unveiled as Essendon’s captain for a third straight season on Friday as part of a five-man leadership group.

Merrett, 29, is “really optimistic” about 2025 and says the group is clear about their path forward.

“It’s obviously something that means a lot to me personally and my family, but more importantly, to lead the boys out and contribute in my own way and support those around me, I’m extremely excited with the year ahead,” Merrett said.

Superstar midfielder Zach Merrett is set to embark on his third season as Essendon captain. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I feel extremely supported (by Andy McGrath and the leaders) and I feel like I can just be myself.

“I’m really optimistic for what we can achieve in 2025 and for me, it’s just playing my small role in that as well.

“Going into our third pre-season with the same people in charge, we’re getting clearer day-by-day about what the expectations look like, what our game plan (looks like) and how it’s going to stack up, and individuals are getting really clear in how they’re going to develop to fit into a really clear system as a team.

“We’re in a really good place to keep rebounding and bouncing into 2025.”

Merrett was announced as sole captain alongside vice-captain Andy McGrath and leaders Nic Martin, Mason Redman and Kyle Langford.

The Bombers finished 11th after spending majority of the first half of the season inside the top four.

Essendon plays Geelong in a pre-season match before taking on Gold Coast in Opening Round.

Originally published as Essendon captain Zach Merrett on the Bombers’ clear expectations for 2025