Essendon captain polled 11 of a possible 15 votes to claim the 2024 Anzac Day Medal in Thursday's thrilling draw at the MCG.
Merrett collected 31 disposals, nine tackles, six clearances and ten contested possessions in the 85-85 tie, with the star ball winner one of five Bombers players to poll a vote from the five-person panel.
Dale Thomas (Channel Seven – Chairperson), Eddie Betts (Fox Footy), Sarah Black (AFL Media), Cameron Ling (ABC Sport) and Andrew Wu (The Age) were tasked with voting for the best-performing player in the Anzac Day game.
Merrett amassed three three-vote nods as well as a further two votes to tally the most, with Essendon defender Andrew McGrath the next best with seven votes.
Collingwood's Nick Daicos polled six votes to come third and was the only Magpie to earn votes in the draw.
Essendon trio Kyle Langford, Nic Martin and Darcy Parish each polled two votes.