Zach Merrett

My Progress

I'm running 50km this May to leave MS behind

My Progress

51.52km

My Target

50km

Support my challenge to leave MS behind!

I’m taking part in The May 50K challenge this May to raise funds for life-changing research into multiple sclerosis!

MS strikes young people in the prime of their lives. The average age of diagnosis is only 30 years old, and there is no known cure.

Please make a donation and support my challenge to leave MS where it belongs, behind us.

Your donation will support research into the prevention, treatment and finding a cure for multiple sclerosis to change lives.

Thank you!

My Updates

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.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$134.62

Tracey & Chris Harty

Hi Zach we are great friends of The Henry's and have met your beautiful Mum on many occasions, also going on the Comedy Cruise with them. She certainly has faced some major health concerns but still has that beautiful smile on her face. She once told me "there are people who are worse off than me" so that shows what a remarkable lady she is. Happy to donate to this cause.

$84

Sylas Merrett

Superstar cuz

$37

Conor

Well done mate

$65

Greg Lochhead

Best wishes to all the family Zach. Hope it goes well. Cheers, The Lochhead’s

$53

Vicki Pearson

$67.84

Kayne Chadwick

Awesome work Zach, I have family members with MS and Cystic fibrosis. My friends lost their little girl Charlotte to a rare form of cancer. It’s great to see people from all walks of life supporting new lifesaving treatments for those affected.

$20

Taylah Johnson

So proud of you Zach, you are such an incredible person on and off the field. Keep it up legend! 🖤❤️🖤❤️

$134.62

Brett Morris

All the very best to you and your mum.

$53

Bronwyn Lynch

Well done Zach. I’m sure your mum will be real proud of you.

$67.84

Susanna Fichera

Good luck. It’s so amazing…your mum would be so proud

$114.48

Sherrie Krampel

You're an inspirational leader and absolute legend. My boys Jacob and Noah talk all the time about the time they had their dream come true and got to have a kick with you at the park. Jakey wears number 7 on his amateur footy jumper! Very happy to support you in this great cause.

$500

Mcgrath Family

Sensational initiative Zach! Best of luck… and always best wishes to your beautiful mum.

$38.16

Jodie The Roadie

Great work Zach 😀

$21.20

Jack

Old man has recently been diagnosed with MS. love your work mate. Good dons!

$10.60

Plane Thanakorn

$37

Lauren Gledhill

$67.84

Carly Brown

$38.16

Angelique Gouvielos

$106

Rix Grandchildren

Cathy is a inspiration to us all x

$67.84

Graeme

I’ve got two kids and my wife with MS Zach. Well done for supporting the cause.

$134.62

Alisa Conlan

Great work Zach. My son Tom, just started playing at East this season and met your mum last Saturday. I wish her all the very best! Alisa

$106

The Efc Ladies Social Group

The EFC Ladies Social Committee from Windy Hill would like to donate to your fundraiser. Good luck for the rest of the season and well done Zach!

$21.20

Joan Hartley

Good Luck Zach. Best Wishes to you and your mum.

$53

Majella Garner

$106

Robyn Couch

$38.16

Reece Power

Love ya work Zach ❤️🖤

$38.16

Sam Harper

Good on you mate, looking forward too catching up Cathy!

$106

Miles_road

For my Amber, your Mum and all those living with MS. A truly worthy cause.

$37

Mason

You are a genuinely amazing role model and an important voice for the advocacy of women which is greatly appreciated. Thank you! I hope your mum stays well. X

$100

Hayden Stanton

Love what you are doing for mum mate, always in your camp on and off field The Stanton’s xxx

$67.84

Tracey Davis

Well done Zach. You’ve got a beautiful heart and family 🥰

$38.16

Tracey Mckenzie

Well done Zach. Your mum is the most inspiring person I know

$53

Shirl & Browny

$108

Greg And Leanne Mcquinn

Well done Zac..a wonderful cause and beautiful way to show your support for your amazing Mum …she is such an inspiration ❣️

$38.16

Claire Kennewell

We wish your mum, and am family and all of those in the MS community, all the best. This is great that you’re doing this!

$134.62

Melissa & Chloe Green

Your Mum is so proud of you, a wonderful, down to earth woman. Let’s find a cure for MS.

$67.84

Wayne Henry

Great stuff mate

$100

Ameet Bains

$53

Linda Barlow

$100

Gwenda Muller

Cathy Merrett a absolute inspiration.. A beautiful soul and a big heart. Happy to.suppprt you Zach . 50km . You got this .

$212

Michael Luscombe

You have my support Zach and Cathy. Trust this all helps find a cure in due course.

$67.84

Zachary Merrett

$21.20

Julie Gray

Well done Zach - keep up the great work!!

$38.16

Diane Trask

Cathy is such an inspiration to many. As you are for helping to raise money and to help find a cure.

$67.84

Paul Oxenbould

Well done Zach, let’s kiss this goodbye!

$106

James Comben

I’ve just recently been diagnosed myself. Thanks for supporting MS research. Go bombers 🔴⚫️

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