Zach Merrett

Zach is moving for his mum

The 2023 Flag isn’t the only thing Essendon Captain Zach Merritt has set his sights on: He wants to make MS a thing of the past.

Zach says, “I’m taking part in The May 50K this year to support my mother who has suffered from MS for 30 years.” 

“The May 50K means a lot to me personally, growing up with my mum suffering from MS I understand the need for resources to help her out.”

While taking part on The May 50K, Zack aims to raise $10,000 to support researchers find better treatments, preventions, and, one day, a cure. He may be driven by the love he has for his mum, but Zach is determined to help leave MS behind for every one of the 33,300+ Australians living with MS.

“I only recently told my mum that I was taking part in The May 50K. She was excited, and I know all her family and friends will also be super supportive and get right behind her as well.”

“It’s hard to describe and single out one thing I love about my mum, but the biggest thing would be her resilience... She’s so hard-working, so disciplined and so resilient with everything she does and always has a smile on her face, regardless of how she’s feeling on the inside.”

“She’s a fantastic role model for myself and my brothers, and I love her.”

This year, Zach’s captaining two teams. One on the field, and one off: Merrett’s Mates Tackle MS. If you’re thinking of joining The May 50K, there’s still time AND you can join the team of a loving son and footy legend. Every step you take of your 50 km (or more) is leading towards a future free of the effects of MS.

“I’d love everyone to join my team... hopefully we raise as much money as we can under my banner, to help those with MS.”

Join Zach and the MS community as we move together in May to Leave MS where it belongs, Behind us. 

Visit: www.themay50k.org/zach to join and Support Zach.

More about Zach...

Zach grew up in Cobden, Victoria before boarding at Melbourne Grammar School on a cricket scholarship. As a junior, Zach played for Cobden Football Club and as a kid supported the Western Bulldogs. After a promising junior cricket career, he decided to focus on his footy and was soon selected into the Vic County team, where he impressed many. Prior to getting drafted, he was noticed for his ball winning ability in the TAC Cup and was a consistent contributor for the Sandringham Dragons.

In 2013, he was drafted to the Essendon Football Club with their second selection (pick number 26) and made his debut in the opening round of the 2014 AFL season again North Melbourne. In just his third season, Zach’s leadership qualities were noticed, and he was promoted to the Essendon Leadership Group ahead of the 2016 season. In 2017 Zach was named Vice-Captain of the Bombers and finished the season with his first selection in the All-Australian side and third selection in the 22 Under 22 Team. 

In 2018, Zach played his 100th game after barely missing a game since his debut. In 2021, Merrett collected 725 possessions over the season, the most ever recorded by a Bomber’s player in one year. In his 10th season since being drafted, Zach became the Captain of the Essendon Football Club. The classy midfielder will be one of the key players and leaders at Essendon for many years to come, as he looks to add to his already illustrious career.

Away from the field Zach loves American sports and has an interest in business, self-improvement. He also loves spending time with his dog Maya and when time permits, he heads back home to see his family. He is serious, hard-working, honest and humble with a passion for leadership and travel. Zach is an ambassador for Puma and advocate for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Australia; a disease close to his heart after his mum was diagnosed with MS over 30 years ago. Also supporting his passion for business and fitness, Zach is a franchise owner of three BFT gyms which are based on the philosophy that everyday people can train with the same principles as elite athletes.