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“Fear for his sanity”: Buckley comments on star Bomber comparison
Jaiden Sciberras • May 5th, 2025 4:00 pm
Essendon captain Zach Merrett has been in phenomenal form throughout 2025.
The 29-year-old was crucial in the Bombers’ three-point win over North Melbourne, collecting 35 touches all over the ground and standing tall as the game was on the line.
Averaging an elite 31.3 disposals and four clearances per game, Merrett earned extremely high praise from coach Brad Scott, comparing him to Collingwood great Nathan Buckley during his post-match press conference on Thursday night.
“(It’s) unfair to make too many comparisons but this one I think is appropriate,” Scott said.
“He reminds me so much of Nathan Buckley in his will to win.
“He is so driven, I had the misfortune of playing against Nathan Buckley and then had the fortune of coaching him, his drive and will to win was close to second to none.
“Merrett reminds me so much of him in that regard, but Merrett also like Nathan backs that up with work ethic, and he just works on his craft every day, he’s always seeking to get better.”
The Brownlow Medallist and seven-time All-Australian commented on Scott’s comments, labelling the comparison as a credit to the Bombers midfielder.
“I thought my time as a comparison was done,” Buckley told SEN’s Whateley.
“If he reminds Brad Scott of me, well then, I fear for Zach’s sanity if his will to win was anywhere like mine was.
“That wasn’t just a will to win, it was a will to prove yourself as a person and it was all-encompassing.
“I think Zach has mellowed, he has developed, and he has grown, and geez he keeps performing, doesn’t he?
“He’s a credit to himself, no wonder the coach is enamoured with him because of his approach to the game.”
