“No club should be defined by one person, and Essendon is no different.”
Merrett’s coach Brad Scott only had words of support for the wantaway player, telling the packed function at Melbourne Park’s Centrepiece: “You’ll always have my full support” and “thanks for everything you’ve done”.
Soon after the count began, new Bombers president and former player Andrew Welsh used his speech to call for the club to galvanise. “We win together, we lose together, but we stick together,” Welsh said.
Those words seemed particularly pointed, given Merrett is facing arguably the most significant fortnight of his football career after it emerged he met with Mitchell. The news was particularly confronting as Merrett had dined with coach Scott just days earlier.
Scott didn’t directly reference the Merrett drama but expressed his pride in everything the star onballer stood for.
Loading
“Zach had another exceptional year, and I know I speak for everyone when I say how proud we are to seeing [him play with] heart and soul for our club on a weekly basis,” Scott said.
“[It’s been a] difficult few weeks for Zach, his family, and I’d like to thank all those who have supported him.
“We love you, Zach, we love you and [your partner] Alexandra, and you’ll always have my full support. Thanks for everything you’ve done.”
But the third-year Essendon coach implored the club’s playing group to be driven in the off-season, already eyeing off a potential round one clash against Hawthorn.
“It’s really clear that our supporters are our greatest strength. So when things are really difficult for us and we had a difficult year, our supporters were there for us,” Scott said.
“They came out in numbers [this season] and to have the fourth-highest home [and] away attendance of any club in the competition is … quite the extraordinary statistic.
“It should get everyone excited once we get this [team] going, once we get rolling, I’ve got no doubt it’s going to be hard to stop.
“[We] can get excited for round one, which is likely to be a home game against Hawthorn, with 90,000 … supporters supporting their team.
“They might have a couple there as well, but it’ll be our home game, and it’ll be a game that we can all look forward to, and we’ll drive our preseason.”
Merrett attended the Brownlow Medal count last week and admitted to his significant unease at how the dramatic trade saga had panned out. The 251-gamer apologised to Essendon fans but stopped short of publicly committing his playing future at Tullamarine.
“I just want to say sorry to the fans, and I do feel a little bit of shame at the moment,” Merrett, who will be one of the biggest names of the AFL trade period, told Seven on the Brownlow red carpet.
“I’m not there to upset fans. They are the best in the comp and I appreciate them dearly, and we will see what happens in the next few weeks.”
Merrett did not want to elaborate on his thoughts when he made a low-key arrival for the Crichton Medal count.
Barely 24 hours after Merrett spoke at the Brownlow, incoming president Welsh declared the Bombers’ captain would remain at the club in 2026.
“Zach’s a required player, he’s contracted to the club. So we won’t be entertaining any trade for Zach,” said Welsh in an interview on the Bombers’ website.
Welsh also did not touch on the Merrett drama directly when addressing the function at the start of the night.
Instead, the hard-nosed former midfielder and defender who played 162 games in the red and black was intent on turning the club’s focus forward after the Bombers experienced a season devastated by an extraordinary injury count.
Welsh said the 2025 campaign would never be a “wasted season”.
Merrett walked off the MCG to a guard of honour following his 250th game in August.Credit: Getty Images
“It was undoubtedly unique year with the challenges we faced, but I reflect on it as a year of growth,” Welsh said.
“I’m genuinely excited about what we’ve been able to unearth this year, and watching the development of everyone who represented our club.
“While the scoreboard didn’t always reflect our efforts, there’s no such thing as a wasted season.
“The character built, the bond strengthened, and the foundations laid in 2025 will define this football club for years to come.
“This was a year of growth, and growth is never easy, but it’s always worth it.”
Welsh, who retired in 2011, saved his boldest words until the end of his speech, when he made a rallying cry for unity.
“My message applies to everyone in this room – from our players, coaches, staff and volunteers to our members and supporters: This is our time to galvanise,” Welsh said.
“Our foundations are set, and it’s time to unite. We win together, we lose together, but we stick together, and when we stick together, we’re a formidable club.
“This is our time. This is our moment, and we’re about to embark on our greatest era. So let’s get running. Go Bombers.”
Merrett was seated on a table with young gun Nate Caddy, delisted big man Jayden Laverde, utility Matt Guelfi, and midfielders Jye Caldwell and Will Setterfield.
