Merrett, 21, joined his second to fourth year teammates and big-name stars such as Dyson Heppell, Jobe Watson and Cale Hooker for the Bombers’ opening pre-season training session on Monday.

The third youngest stand-in captain in Essendon history said he expected the leadership qualities of the returning pack to ease the pressure on the young list.

“They’re full of enthusiasm at the moment, which is rubbing off on the younger guys at the club,” Merrett said.

“Watching guys like Kyle Langford, Jayden Laverde and Darcy Parish, you can see they’re buzzing with enthusiasm knowing a deluge of other guys are coming back in.

“Everybody is overjoyed and I’m looking forward to getting into pre-season.”

Merrett would not be drawn on his tip for the Bombers captaincy – a post he held for two games last season.

He backed Watson, Heppell and current captain Brendon Goddard as three possibilities for the role, but said there was not a standout.

“It’s a new chapter for the club and the playing group,” he said. “I think we’re moving in the right direction.

“It will be good to have the (experienced) guys out there with us. They’re great players but their leadership capacity to help younger players will be fantastic.”