Zach Merrett named Essendon stand-in captain but expects Dyson Heppell to be skipper in 2017

ZACH Merrett will become one of the youngest captains in Essendon’s history this weekend, and he has a firm opinion on who is the man for the job next year.

Zach Merrett will captain Essendon in Round 21. Picture: Hamish Blair

ZACH Merrett will become one of the youngest captains in Essendon’s history when he leads out the Bombers against Gold Coast on Sunday.

Merrett has been named stand-in captain for the injured Brendon Goddard, who has been sidelined with a groin strain, for the clash at Etihad Stadium.

He will be 20 years and 316 days old when he takes to the field against the Suns, making him the third-youngest captain to lead the Bombers.

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Simon Madden was 20 years and 231 days when he was acting captain in Round 20, 1978, and Tim Watson was 20 years and 272 days when he led the Bombers in Round 3, 1982.

Former Footscray forward Bernie Quinlan (20 years and nine days) was the league’s youngest ever acting captain when he led the Bulldogs in Round 18, 1971.

Essendon coach John Worsfold delivered the news to Merrett on Wednesday and the midfielder admitted he was overwhelmed at the opportunity to skipper the club.

“It was probably a bit of an underwhelming reaction to him (Worsfold) because I was such in shock,’’ Merrett said.

“It’s fantastic, it was obviously a bit of a surprise and something I definitely wasn’t aiming at to achieve this year.

“But it’s a very good opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s just a learning curve, I tink no other 20-year-old other than (Marcus) Bontempelli in the last five or 10 years has had this opportunity.’’

Zach Merrett has been Essendon’s best player this season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Merrett said the captaincy was something to strive towards but expected Dyson Heppell to take the reigns next season.

“It’s definitely something to aspire to, but I think Dyson is probably the man for next year, he has been fantastic for this footy club so far so I think he is the man for next year,’’ he said.

“Dyson has done his apprenticeship last year and I think he is ready to go for next year.”

Merrett’s appointment as stand-on captain comes after he was promoted to the clubs’s leadership group this year in only his third AFL season.

He has enjoyed an impressive season, averaging almost 29 disposals, 10.3 contested possessions, 6.4 tackles a game, and is considered a strong candidate to win the club’s best-and-fairest award.

Merrett said he would call on the advice of teammates Goddard and Heppell, but would treat the opportunity as a chance to build his leadership.

“If I make mistakes, it doesn’t matter, it’s a learning curve and I’ll develop as much as I can,’’ Merrett said.

“I’ve got a few boys to talk to during the next couple of days to learn as much as I can off like Dyson Heppell and Brendon Goddard.’’

Originally published as Zach Merrett named Essendon stand-in captain but expects Dyson Heppell to be skipper in 2017