Essendon coach Brad Scott has revealed that his inspirational skipper Zach Merrett played Thursday night’s game against Carlton with “six holes drilled into a bone in his hand”.

The Bombers have been decimated by injury this year, are fourth bottom on the ladder, and are playing two games in this week’s final round due to the postponed match against Gold Coast from the start of the season.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Brad Scott discusses Zach Merrett’s hand injury.

Last night’s game at the MCG against Carlton was a dead rubber with both teams out of finals contention, but Merrett still bravely fronted up — with a glove on his right hand — for what was his 250th AFL game.

After the match Scott shed light on what Merrett — who was absent the previous week due to the injury — had gone through to get up for the game.

“He had six holes drilled into a bone in his hand so he’s sore,” Scott said.

“It was always going to be a challenge for him to play, but we and he were reassured that there was no risk.

“In fact, it’s reinforced with the surgery and the plate that was put in his hand, that there’s very little risk (of further damage).

“So once he was assured of that there was no question that he would not want to play.

“I mean, we struggled to have him in the centre bounce because he was hampered in there with that but, but he did what he always does, which is just keep fighting and competing and I thought he had an influence.”

Asked if Merrett would play in Wednesday night’s game (in Queensland against the Suns), Scott said “absolutely”.

The ‘Baby Bombers’ will be given little hope against the Gold Coast, who are still in the finals race and aiming to play in a historical maiden finals campaign.

The Suns percentage could also come into play and see them totally disrupt the top eight if they have a big win.

But Scott was still certain Merrett would play.

“I mean, unless there’s risk or he can’t function, but he’ll be better next week than he was this week,” he said.

“A couple of times (last night) trying to handball right handed, you know, when it’s hard for him to clench a fist was, it was a challenge.

“But again, it comes down to, we were assured by the surgeon and by the medicos that there was no risk. So once they told him that he was always going to declare himself fit to play.”

While there is no suggestion the club put their star midfielder at risk, the fact that they decided to play the 29-year-old star in a meaningless game (despite being “sore”) baffled fans.

“Imagine playing your best player with six holes in his hand tonight for what? For his 250tk ... ridiculous,” one fan said on social media.

And another: “So why ask him to play a meaningless game?”

And another: “Well your negligent letting him play with that injury ... and why?”

Despite the issue with his hand, Merrett was still one of Essendon’s best players in the 34-point loss to the Blues.

He had 24 touches, his brilliant kicking skills were on display, and he had a game-high nine tackles.