The clever half-forward/midfielder had an excellent season at every level he played. After a promising junior cricket career, Merrett focused on his footy and had a breakout year. He played every game for Vic Country and impressed in many, and he took that form into the end of the TAC Cup season, where he was a consistent contributor for the Sandringham Dragons.
Merrett, whose brother Jackson has played two seasons at Essendon, grew up in Cobden in country Victoria and was eligible to play for the Geelong Falcons but moved to Melbourne Grammar on a scholarship, and so played with the more local Dragons, where he averaged 26 disposals in seven games this season.
STRENGTHS
When Merrett has the ball, you expect him to do something smart with it. He looks in-board, zips past players and finds teammates. At the NAB AFL Draft Combine, Merrett rated as the quickest decision-maker of every player tested, something you can see in his play when he thinks fast under pressure. Moving across half-forward and through the midfield, Merrett knows where to place himself to be in a goalkicking position (he booted three goals for Vic County against Northern Territory), and he has that ping to his game – a few quick steps, a steadier, and then a bullet left-foot kick.
WEAKNESSES
As much as his kicking is definitely a strength, Merrett can occasionally try to boot the leather off the ball. That composure is coming along with every game and from the start of the season to the end, there was marked improvement in that area. Because of the cricket career – playing in a number of state level teams – he hasn't had the full pre-seasons that others, who have been through more TAC Cup football, might have experienced.
PLAYS LIKE
Collingwood's Ben Kennedy only came onto the scene this year but they have a few similar traits with their ball use, positioning and footy smarts. Both are on the shorter side and Merrett might also arrive at a club and work further up the ground.
DRAFT RANGE
It wouldn't be a real surprise if he pushes into the top 20. More likely, however, to be around the 20-35 mark.
BOTTOM LINE
Has some power in his legs, and some brains to his game. Among the group of talented smaller midfielders who push forward.
DRAFT RANGE
It wouldn't be a real surprise if he pushes into the top 20. More likely, however, to be around the 20-35 mark.
BOTTOM LINE
Has some power in his legs, and some brains to his game. Among the group of talented smaller midfielders who push forward.
