Zach Merrett says fans will get true gauge of pre-season form when Dons face Cats

Essendon captain Zach Merrett has played down fan fears after the club’s pre-season capitulation against St Kilda, urging them not to panic.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 26: Zach Merrett of the Bombers poses for a photograph during 2024 AFL Captain's Day at Marvel Stadium on February 26, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Zach Merrett has a message for twitchy Essendon supporters who were dismayed by last week’s 66-point loss to St Kilda – “it is called match simulation for a reason”.

The superstar skipper said the Bombers would get a real gauge on their pre-season form in Friday night’s round 1 dress rehearsal against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

Best-and-fairest winners Jordan Ridley and Peter Wright are on track to return against the Cats although ruckman Sam Draper is considered less likely to play.

“I must admit I haven’t seen much of the fan reaction, but it is called match simulation for a reason,” Merrett told this masthead.

The Bombers were blasted off the park in their first pre-season clash. Pic: Michael Klein

“For us, and for me personally, it was just about getting a run in the legs to be honest.

“We tried a few things structurally. Some we didn’t execute well, some we did execute well.

“They played well, the scoreboard obviously suited them. But to be honest it wasn’t one of those games where you walk away being disgruntled.

“It was one of those games that I felt like we tried a few things and to get some games into new guys was awesome.

“And now we have to sharpen up and actually have a real crack against Geelong, who are always performing well.

“We’ll get a good understanding this week.”

The Bombers were buoyed by Jayden Davey returning through the VFL last week after two knee constructions and a 922 wait between matches.

Merrett shouted out Zach Reid as a shining light. Pic: Michael Klein

They also ran into a pumped-up Saints outfit that are primed again to hit the ground running.

“I know our fans want to see us win every game, but to see Jayden miss 920 days (and play) was awesome and a bit emotional,” Merrett said.

“And then to have Zach Reid, I was super excited to see him play on ‘Kingy’ (Max King) up forward, who is a super player and a star of St Kilda’s team.

“To play on a guy like that and get exposure after only eight (AFL) games and three injury-riddled years for Zach was awesome.

“I’ve got no doubt he’ll be better off for the run.”

The Bombers host Hawthorn at the MCG in round 1 when both clubs will be striving to break their home-and-away attendance record of 78,294 (2017).

The clash comes 40 years after the Bombers kicked nine last-quarter goals to defeat the Hawks in the 1984 grand final.

Originally published as Zach Merrett says fans will get true gauge of pre-season form when Dons face Cats