The star midfielder turned his back on free agency and signed a long-term deal with Essendon which will see him at the club until at least the end of the 2027 season.

The two-time Crichton medallist put pen to paper on a new deal on Thursday.

The Cobden export was drafted at pick 26 in the 2013 national draft and has made a stellar contribution to the Bombers' midfield in his 154 AFL games.

The 25-year-old notched up his 150th game in the red and black in round eight this season. He has missed just 11 games since he made his debut, making him the seventh quickest in Essendon history to reach the milestone.

Merrett, who has a string of accolades to his name including All-Australian honours in 2017, is currently ranked fourth in the competition for total inside 50s and sixth for total disposals.

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Merrett said he was thrilled to all but cement his future as a one-club player.

"It's a privilege to play for the Essendon Football Club and I'm really excited to have agreed to terms on a new deal," he said.

"There's no doubt the direction that the club is heading is the most exciting part.

"We are really clear in where we're headed under 'Truck' (Ben Rutten) and this new football program is very clearly united and aligned.

"The environment is something I wanted to continue to be a part of. It's really enjoyable watching the energy the young players are bringing to the club at the moment.

"Ultimately, it's on us as a playing group to drive our own future success, so I'm rapt my future is here with the Bombers."

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General manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro said Merrett's re-signing was a reflection on his belief in the Bombers' direction.

"Zach is an elite midfielder in the AFL, and we are delighted that he will remain with the club for at least the next six years," he said.

"He is a considered and diligent young man, who very openly weighed up this important decision on his future.

"Zach had our full support in doing so as part of the process, and we're really pleased to have now reached this outcome.

"Zach is the ultimate professional who demands the best out of himself and his teammates for the betterment of the football club.

"He can clearly see the exciting path that this football program is headed, and we know he will continue to showcase his strong leadership capabilities both on and off the field to support our exciting young playing group to achieve success over the years to come."

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