Bombers Captain Zach Merrett expresses his pride in leading the club ahead of its 29th Anzac Day match against Collingwood.
Originating from a concept by former Senior Coach Kevin Sheedy to honor Australia’s most sacred cultural day, the occasion has evolved into a week of education, respect, and reflection at Essendon.
New players are guided through a tour of the Shrine of Remembrance, the club hosts sessions where returned servicemen share their perspectives on the significance of the day, and past players from both clubs provide insights into the match itself.
These events deeply resonate with Merrett and the team, highlighting the significance of the occasion they are part of.
“It’s an incredible experience to be a part of,” Merrett remarks. “Listening to players like Dustin Fletcher, Jobe Watson, and Travis Cloke from a Collingwood perspective yesterday gave us all a sense of excitement and anticipation for the opportunity ahead. We understand that we play a small role in the grand scheme of things.”
Following the solemn moments of reflection, focus shifts swiftly to the game. Essendon seeks to build on their 4-2 record against a resurgent Collingwood team, who recently secured back-to-back wins against Port Adelaide.
The Bombers aim to secure their first Anzac Day victory since 2021 and showcase their progress since their last encounter with the Magpies, which ended in a heavy defeat at the close of the previous season.
“For us, the significance lies in our ability to play against Collingwood at their peak late last year… (but) we were unable to match them in any quarter,” Merrett explains. “Facing them now provides us with a valuable benchmark to assess our progress since the preseason and the first six weeks of the season. It’s one thing to recognize improvement; it’s another to execute consistently against top-tier teams for the duration of the match.”
Despite the team’s strong start to the season, Merrett acknowledges the ongoing challenges they face each week.
“This season has presented us with various challenges, and the task seems to get tougher with each game,” he reflects.
This year’s Anzac Day clash also marks Merrett’s first time leading his side in this prestigious fixture after missing out due to suspension last season in his inaugural year as captain. He eagerly anticipates leading his team onto the field.
“Missing out last year was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the game,” Merrett shares. “So, to be leading my team on Anzac Day this year holds significant importance for me.”
