Essendon accused of undermining captain Zach Merrett after AFLW training allegation
Merrett denies claims and says the club leaked the report as trade talks with Hawthorn continue; Essendon says it will not trade him
Essendon has been accused of undermining captain Zach Merrett after allegations that he behaved disrespectfully toward the club's AFLW squad were leaked to media, claims Merrett vehemently denies as he pushes for a trade to Hawthorn.
A report published earlier this week said Merrett encroached on space while the Bombers' AFLW players were conducting a training session led by head of development Ben Brown. Channel Seven reported Merrett was completing a kicking drill indoors at Essendon's Tullamarine base when the incident occurred. Merrett has strongly rejected the account and told media the allegation was leaked by the club in an attempt to sully his reputation.
Essendon has publicly maintained it will not trade Merrett, who is contracted through the end of 2027, despite reports he is seeking a move to Hawthorn. The club has also said it will not trade key defender Jordan Ridley. Merrett, 29, is tipped to win the Bombers' Best and Fairest Crichton Medal for a sixth time after another strong season, but his attendance at the club's presentation night on October 2 has not been confirmed.
Former Essendon captain and club great Tim Watson said he believes there is little chance Merrett can repair his relationship with the club if the current situation persists. "Everything has moved in the wrong direction," Watson told SEN. "I wanted Essendon to find a way to communicate with him (Merrett) and repair the damage that's been done... and then convince him there's a future there for him. But at the moment, I can't see that happening."
Watson also suggested Merrett should be stripped of the captaincy if he remains at the club, pointing to a recent meeting between Merrett and Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell as evidence of a breakdown in trust.
Merrett made his AFL debut in 2014 and has played 251 games for the Bombers. He is a three-time All-Australian and has been widely regarded as Essendon's leading player through the past decade. The club's season this year was hampered by injuries and a 13-game losing streak that left Essendon 15th on the ladder and extending their drought of finals victories; the club has not won a finals match since 2004.
The allegation involving the AFLW session has intensified scrutiny of player-club relations ahead of the trade period. Media reports and commentary have focused on whether internal information was shared with outlets to influence public perception as discussions about Merrett's future continue.
Essendon has declined to provide additional comment beyond its assertion that it will not facilitate a trade for Merrett or Ridley. Merrett's representatives have not issued a detailed statement beyond his denial that he acted in a disrespectful manner and his claim that the account was leaked by the club. Tim Watson and other former players and commentators have said the situation will be difficult to resolve without direct, constructive communication between Merrett and Essendon leadership.
The unfolding dispute leaves immediate questions about Merrett's role at the club, his potential move to Hawthorn, and how Essendon manages internal relations with senior players while overseeing both the men's and women's programs. Trade discussions and the club's response to the allegations are likely to remain focal points through the coming weeks as the AFL off-season approaches.