Peel Thunder has bolstered its midfield stocks with the signing of former Essendon Bomber Jackson Merrett ahead of the 2019 WAFL season.
The older brother of star Bombers midfielders Zach, Merrett joins the Thunder after a 56-game career spanning seven seasons with Essendon, having been recruited from the Geelong Falcons with pick 31 in the 2011 national draft.
The 25-year-old was cut from the Bombers’ roster after appearing in just two games this season, and will now join former teammate and reigning Peel best and fairest Ben Howlett at the Mandurah-based club.
Merrett’s best year in the red and black came in 2015 as he filled a role in the midfield and at half forward, playing 15 games.
He will now look to help push Peel Thunder back up the ladder after the club missed finals in 2018 finishing seventh after back-to-back premiership years.
Peel will also likely be boosted by AFL affiliate club Fremantle’s new draftees in their quest for a finals return.
The Dockers welcomed a host of fresh faces through the national and rookie drafts last month, and while top picks Sam Sturt and Luke Valente are expected to see plenty of time in Freo colours, fellow recruits Lachlan Schultz and Brett Bewley could see their share of games at the WAFL level.
Rookie draftees Tobe Watson and Jason Carter would also add to what looms as a formidable Peel team for 2019.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
