Zach Merrett, the captain of Essendon, has openly discussed his attempt to leave the club for Hawthorn, acknowledging that it was a long shot. Despite not securing the trade, he remains optimistic about his future and has not ruled out pursuing the captaincy again next season.
In a candid conversation, Merrett explained his rationale behind wanting to leave Essendon. He expressed admiration for his coach, Brad Scott, and the club’s CEO, Craig Vozzo, emphasizing that his decision was not personal. Merrett highlighted the challenges he faced during the previous season, particularly following the retirement of former captain Dyson Heppell and the team’s struggles with injuries.
Reflecting on Heppell’s career, Merrett admitted that witnessing his predecessor’s disappointment in not achieving finals success influenced his own thoughts about securing a winning future. “I’m very single-minded around success,” he said, recognizing that he is approaching the latter stages of his career. Merrett’s concerns grew as injuries plagued the team, casting doubt on the club’s trajectory.
His desire to explore a trade stemmed from a pressing need for change. After discussions with his manager, Tom Petroro, and meetings with Scott and Vozzo, Merrett voiced his struggles to see a clear path forward at Essendon. “I was struggling a bit to see the light here,” he noted. Despite understanding the complexities of his contract, he felt it was time to consider other options.
Merrett’s choice to nominate only Hawthorn as his preferred destination complicated negotiations. He acknowledged that while he respected the club’s decisions, he was searching for a team where he could envision success in his remaining years. “I liked the window Hawthorn were entering,” he stated, believing he could contribute positively to their future.
The public reaction to his trade request was mixed. Many supporters felt a sense of betrayal, especially as Merrett is regarded as one of Essendon’s key players. He anticipated backlash but remained resolute in his decision, stating, “I didn’t want to finish my career with regrets.” His honesty has led to both support and criticism from teammates, with some expressing their disappointment.
Upon returning to Essendon after the failed trade attempt, Merrett found a sense of relief and excitement. He was eager to resume training and contribute to the team’s success. “I was quite excited to go back to the club,” he remarked, highlighting the strong relationships he has built over his 12 years with the team.
Merrett’s future at Essendon remains uncertain, particularly regarding the captaincy. He has not dismissed the possibility of leading the team again but emphasized that leadership goes beyond titles. “I’ll always be who I am and try and lead as much as I can to help the boys win,” he said.
As he prepares for the next season, Merrett is focused on performing at his best and contributing to the club’s success. He expressed enthusiasm about new recruits and the potential for growth within the team. “I’m just excited to see them,” he said, referring to the fresh talent joining Essendon.
While the future holds many questions, Merrett’s commitment to the club is clear. He is determined to honour his contract and help Essendon regain its competitive edge. “We know we need to get the wheels rolling quicker,” he concluded, emphasizing the urgency for the team to achieve success in the coming years.
