COBDEN brothers Jackson and Zach Merrett will each take another step in their respective football journeys this weekend.
Jackson, 20, was selected for Essendon’s AFL season-opener against Adelaide Crows at Football Park tonight.
The former Geelong Falcon made his Bombers’ debut in round 23 last year against Collingwood.
Zach, 18, is poised to make his TAC Cup debut for Sandringham Dragons against Western Jets at Visy Park on Sunday, provided he gets through football training tonight and his final school cricket game for Melbourne Grammar.
Sandringham Dragons talent manager Ryan O’Connor said Zach had adjusted well to the TAC Cup system and deserved his opportunity.
“We are happy with his progress. We are quite excited about how he has been going and his potential and prospects going forward, should he handle the work-rate,” he said.
“He has all the hallmarks of an exciting midfield player.
“We expect his start to be reasonably hard for him because this is a high level program and he has to adjust.”
Zach will play school cricket today and tomorrow.
O’Connor said he was confident Zach could juggle a busy sporting weekend.
“He might even hit a ton,” he said.
“He is a fairly laidback kid. He takes it in his stride and has a good personality to play at the top level because he’s not fazed.”
Newly-inducted Collingwood Hall of Famer Thorold Merrett is Jackson and Zach’s great-uncle.
Geelong Falcons and North Ballarat Rebels start their TAC Cup seasons next weekend.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au