"We'll wrap our arms around him" - Zach Merrett rallies behind Kyle Langford after Essendon star missed late opportunity against Collingwood 

Following the end of the Anzac Day Match between the Essendon Bombers and Collingwood on Thursday, April 25, Essendon captain Zach Merrett showed support for teammate Kyle Langford after he missed a late opportunity against the Magpies.

The Bombers and the Magpies played an 85-85 tie, recording the second draw in the annual Anzac Day clash. Langford led his team's goal charts with four goals but missed a last-minute chance to score a fifth that could have won the game for his side.

Merrett won the Anzac Day Medal for best man on the ground after putting up an impressive 31 disposals, six clearances and eight tackles. The Essendon skipper said about Langford's miss (via 7AFL on X):

"He's probably the guy if you go through the list or go through our footy club, if you're asked to give the ball to someone with a shot to win the game it'll most likely be him.

"I felt very comfortable with the ball in his hands, unfortunately he missed but Ihthought he went through his routine perfectly just didn't quite execute. We'll wrap our arms around him, he played a great game - no doubt he'll be back and ready to go next week."

The Bombers with a 4-1-2 record are gradually surging into the top-four of the league table and are sixth in the rankings with 18 points. Meanwhile, Collingwood, with a 3-1-2 record, are eighth.

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How did Zach Merrett fare for Essendon against Colingwood?

Essendon fans were full of praise for club captain Zach Merrett following his outstanding performance against Collingwood in the Anzac Day Match on Thursday, April 25.

The 28-year-old had a fine performance (six clearances, eight tackles and 31 disposals) and was voted the best man on the ground in the tied affair.

The last time the annual clash held in honour of Australian servicemen and women ended in a stalemate was the first edition held in 1995.