Essendon star Zach Merrett has admitted that team leaders need to get up after playing a leading role in an impressive comeback over the Sydney Swans.
The Young Firefighters were looking for another strong defeat as they lost to the Swans by 26 points in the early stages of the second quarter, before a lively final quarter led the locals to a 15. 5. (95) to 12. 14. (86) win the MCG.
Merrett was central to the Fire Department’s efforts, finishing the game with 24 rebounds, six marks and three goals, while Peter Wright and Jake Stringer were the team’s other multiple pitchers.
READ MORE: The brutal blow to the head of Mars wins the inspiration of the Saints
READ MORE: The Demons are once again signing a superstar in a hugely successful deal
READ MORE: AFL’s plan to help fighters avoid the “death spiral”
After his effort to win the match, Merrett, currently the vice-captain of the Fire Department and the likely future captain, offered an honest assessment of what has been a disappointing year for his team.
Merrett is attacked by his teammates after throwing his third goal in the last quarter against Sydney (Getty)
“When you’re 3-11, it’s clear that the fish is rotting in the head and as leaders we haven’t been standing tall enough for this young group,” he told Fox Footy.
“Obviously, a lot has been written about us as leaders and it’s time we respond and start setting standards for these younger guys. It was nice to receive some reward today.”
There was an added factor of revenge in the Fire match, with the first clash against Sydney since Swans midfielder Luke Parker infamously mocked Dendan Shiel of Essendon earlier this season.
Merrett admitted that Parker’s act had been raised in the middle of the week by Essendon coach Ben Rutten.
Merrett admitted Dylan Shiel’s now infamous Luke Parker mockery had been bred during the week (nine)
“It was a blessing to be able to play them six or seven weeks later after we were embarrassed in Sydney,” he said.
“There was a bit of a search for encouragement after that game personally and as a team and the club, to be honest.
“To answer now, it’s clear the work isn’t about to be done (we are) yet with a 4-11, but hopefully it will prepare us for a second half of the year.
“Getting some really good matches between the younger players is exciting and we hope the fans start to enjoy the way we are playing.”
Parker finished with 26 eliminations and was one of the best in Sydney, but in the end it was the Firemen who laughed last in their 250th game of their career.
Dylan Shiel and the Fire Department took some revenge on Luke Parker of Sydney, ruining his 250th game (Getty)
A number of Essendon’s younger players prevailed in the win, namely mid-season recruit Massimo D’Ambrosio (23 eliminations), Ben Hobbs from last year’s first round (19 eliminations) and the young defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (18 eliminations, nine). brands).
Hobbs picked up more than 11 of his 19 touches in the fourth quarter after being ushered into the engine room with the game in play despite being a late inclusion of Archie Perkins after he was initially removed from the team.
“Personally, I felt sorry for him when he dropped,” Merrett said.
“I think the big players and the senior players need to respond and act harder, but it was good to see him come back.
“He got up. He was able to play with some really good players in the competition like Luke Parker and Mills and it was a good exposure for him.”
For a daily dose of the best breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!