Merenda began his career with the West Perth Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL).
Debuting in 1994 with the Richmond Football Club, he was noted as a midfielder or small forward.
At the end of the 2000 season, after being out of action at Richmond from Round 2 onwards, he was moved to his home state to play with the West Coast Eagles after 75 games with the Tigers.
In 2001 he kicked the Goal of the Year in Round 3 against St Kilda.
Back injuries plagued Merenda throughout his career and he was forced to retire at the end of the 2002 season.