Zach Merrett says Essendon will try to regain aggressive flair after tightening up defence

Injuries cruelled the first four years of Zach Reid’s AFL career. Now he’s finally fit and showing why Essendon has put so much faith in him to emerge as a linchpin of its backline.

Essendon captain Zach Merrett says the Bombers will attempt to regain their attacking “aggressive” flair against North Melbourne without sacrificing defence as he made clear the list finally had the stability and support to thrive at the Hangar.

Merrett’s side will return to Marvel Stadium on Thursday for the first time since beating Port Adelaide a month ago as the Bombers attempt to level their win-loss ledger at 4-4.

Essendon has long been pilloried for its lack of defensive intent but Merrett is thrilled the club was able to bounce back from conceding 161 points against Adelaide in round 2 with three defensive miserly efforts.

Now comes the task of finding balance in a side that against Collingwood saw exciting cameos from Isaac Kako and Nate Caddy as well as a breakout performance from full back Zach Reid.

Isaac Kako and Nate Caddy. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

Zach Reid has broken out this season. Picture: Michael Klein

“We are going to have to improve to be in the top eight but the exciting part is we are very young and very coachable. You go from giving up 160 points against Adelaide and change a couple of things and in the next three weeks teams scored under 80 points,” he said.

“Our challenge is to be consistent in areas but also growing and evolving on the run.

“I think we just need to keep being exciting to play and watch. We can be more exciting and challenge other teams to have to score a bit more. Sometimes good offence creates good defence as well. So we will look to play in a bit more of an exciting way and hopefully also give our fans something to cheer about.

Merrett was at Marvel Stadium on Monday to promote Carlton Dry’s new mid-strength beer and a year-long activation that sees patrons who buy the product given five minute back-massages at the ground.

Zach Merrett wants the Bombers to hit the scoreboard. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

Merrett has committed his own future to the club and received an off-season pay rise, having re-signed at Essendon because he could see its direction.

The administration has delivered elite facilities, hired Brad Scott and a long list of development coaches as well as boardroom stability after so many internal and external distractions in the past 15 years.

Merrett said the players finally had a platform to deliver success.

“I think the stability we’ve had from board down now for a few years is giving players every opportunity now to go into the club and just focus solely on being a better player individually and then where that fits into the team and team system,” he said.

“We are able to keep evolving and getting better and bringing in better players and higher talent but there is stability across the club. It’s been very consistent for two and a half years. So it’s on us to keep building and working as hard as we can to get there as quickly as possible.”

Zach Merrett promoting Carlton Dry at Marvel Stadium. Photo: Daniel Pockett

Reid had four intercept marks and nine intercept possessions against Collingwood after so many injury issues and finally looks the real deal after a series of false starts.

With Jordan Ridley also in strong form against the Pies there is finally the nucleus of an elite defence.

“I think as captain as you get older you’re looking for these gems coming through, and Zach has been sitting there for four years now and injured for the most part,” he said.

“And we knew the talent that he had and we know what he’s capable of, we just haven’t been able to see it often enough. Fans clearly have never been able to see it.

Zach Reid pic.twitter.com/vwH9Jnq22w

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“So it was awesome to see him on Anzac Day really stand up against probably the best offensive team and a team that really challenges you the other way.

“In some key moments he really stood up so we are excited for what he can build on. His body still continues to get stronger and more stable and allow him to play every game. So as captain to see him and Nate Caddy have moments was really pleasing.”

Originally published as Zach Merrett says Essendon will try to regain aggressive flair after tightening up defence