Essendon defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is starting to find his feet at AFL level.
With 31 senior games to his belt across five seasons, Zerk-Thatcher has shown glimpses of his potential but has failed to nail down a consistent spot until the back half of last season.
After coming back into the team in Round 16, 2022, Zerk-Thatcher strung together eight consecutive games – the most of his career – and quickly added the first two of the 2023 season.
While a rolled ankle ruled him out of the Round 3 loss to St Kilda, Bombers teammate Andrew McGrath has been impressed with how the 24-year-old has played this season after developing his game in recent years.
“Brandon is an exceptional athlete,” McGrath said on SEN's The Run Home.
“He’s had a few years in the system now, but he’s had a few problems with his body and has had to put on quite a bit of size from when he first arrived.
“I’ve just noticed a huge shift in his professionalism, his mindset around training, being an elite performer, and that’s just coming out in his football right now.
“He had an awesome pre-season, he plays with a tenacity that not many players play with, his closing speed and his athleticism for a guy his size is pretty impressive.”
After showing signs of rapid improvement, McGrath was asked what level he felt his emerging teammate could reach.
“In terms of his ceiling, I don’t think he has one as of yet,” McGrath replied.
“He probably hasn’t played enough footy to know, but we love playing with him.
“He’s a desperate player and he wins one on ones which is vital in the modern game.”
Zerk-Thatcher has been named to return for the Bombers as they look to get back on the winners’ list when they face the Giants at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.