Midfielder Zach Merrett will become one of the youngest captains in VFL-AFL history when he skippers Essendon against Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Merrett, 20, replaces the injured Brendon Goddard, who suffered a minor groin strain last week.

He will be 20 years and 316 days when he leads out the Bombers.

Western Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli became the youngest player to captain a winning side when he led the Dogs to victory over West Coast in June, at 20 years and 194 days.

It meant the Bulldogs have two titles when it comes to the youngest captains in VFL/AFL history, with former Dog and Fitzroy champion Bernie Quinlan being the youngest ever stand-in skipper. 

He stood in as leader in round 18, 1971, aged 20 years and nine days, but the Bulldogs went down to Carlton by 30 points. 

Merrett is only in his third season of AFL football, but was elected to the club's leadership group this year and is a strong favourite to take out the Bombers' best and fairest award.

He is averaging 28.9 disposals, 10.3 contested possessions and 6.4 tackles per game.