Daniel Merrett

Daniel Merrett was one of the AFL's premier defenders, before retiring at the end of 2016. Merrett grew up as a talented Rugby Union and volleyball player on the Gold Coast, before being identified as a potential AFL Footballer. He was quickly identified as a player of promise, and was fast-tracked into the AFLQ’s Talent Search program and represented Queensland in the U18 National Championships in 2002. The Lions saw great potential in Merrett and selected him with their second round selection (Pick No.30 overall) in the 2002 AFL National Draft. Since his debut in 2005, Merrett played 200 games, and has established himself as one of the game’s elite defenders, with his trade mark spoils and ability for long handballs. In 2007, he led the entire league in spoils. He has also spent some time up forward, booting 57 goals throughout his career. Daniel has joined us at AFL camps, where he imparts knowledge on what it takes to play AFL at the highest level.