Zach Merrett says Essendon can look at Western Bulldogs for premiership inspiration

CRICHTON medallist Zach Merrett says a finals reconnaissance mission has him convinced Essendon can replicate the Western Bulldogs’ premiership surge.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Zach Merrett of the Bombers runs with the ball during the round 22 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on August 21, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

CRICHTON medallist Zach Merrett says a finals reconnaissance mission has him convinced Essendon can replicate the Western Bulldogs’ premiership surge.

Merrett was Essendon’s most remarkable story in 2016, going from a classy half-forward to an elite midfield threat.

After winning the best-and-fairest in August he spent September attending MCG finals, then visited four elite US training facilities to find ways to improve his game.

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The Bulldogs were a basket case in 2014, then in the space of two seasons went from an elimination finalist to the most unlikely of drought-breaking premiers.

Merrett, 21, won the Crichton Medal then watched the likes of Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli, Swan Josh Kennedy and Cat Patrick Dangerfield thrive on the big stage.

Zach Merrett is confident the Bombers can quickly rebound and become a premiership contender. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

He said an Essendon side with Dyson Heppell and Jobe Watson back in its midfield could also do special things with its best side on the park.

“I went and watched the Bulldogs play against Hawthorn, then Sydney-Geelong and then the Grand Final so I think it was good to get a taste,’’ he said.

“I have only played in one final and we lost. I think seeing the Bulldogs play finals gave me goosebumps watching from the stands.

“It gave me a great deal of excitement knowing that a group of guys can go from outside the eight to winning a premiership in two years.

“And I guess it gives all 17 clubs hope that they can do it, but especially us coming from where we have come from.”

Marcus Bontempelli leading the Western Bulldogs’ Grand Final celebrations. Picture: Getty Images

Rather than sit in the stands knocking back a cold one, Merrett honed in on the stars who are capable of turning games.

“To see the atmosphere and the way finals are played, it was the guys who were calm and collected (who made the difference),’’ he said.

“Bontempelli was someone who stood out and someone I look to from the opposition team to see the way he plays.

“Him and (Josh) Kennedy were the two guys who were composed around the footy and execute their skills under pressure and it showed me where I need to get to as an individual.”

Coach John Worsfold wants to foster competition for spots over the summer, highlighting Merrett as a player keen to hold his level.

But the No.26 pick from the 2013 draft hopes to improve the entire midfield rather than protect his turf next year.

“There were a lot of opportunities for people to take and I was talking to (mentor) Chris (Judd) through the pre-season and I really wanted to take it with both hands,’’ he said.

“I was doing some stats with Bluey (McKenna) and I had 78 centre square attendances in 2015 and this year I had 370 so it was a big step up.”