Zach Merrett’s reign as Essendon captain officially over after failed trade to Hawthorn

Essendon have announced Zach Merrett will not return as captain following his failed trade to Hawthorn.

The 30-year-old opened up on the off-season saga earlier this week after returning to pre-season training, with player, coach Brad Scott and president Andrew Welsh attempting to draw a line in the sand.

Now the long-expected move to rebuild by stripping him of the captaincy has been spun as Merrett’s decision and “an example of a selfless leader prioritising the best interests of the club”.

Essendon’s statement made only vague mentions of the reason behind the change as they celebrated his “exceptional leadership, drive and determination”.

“It has been an absolute honour to be the 41st captain of the Essendon Football Club,” Merrett said.

“Growing up, it was a childhood dream of mine running around the backyard in Cobden, and it has been an opportunity that my family and I are very proud of.

“If you told younger me I would get to captain this club for three years, I would have pinched myself. It’s been something I’ve really enjoyed and loved doing. I’ve really enjoyed being captain to lead so many great current and past players.

“It’s been weighing on my mind around who is the best person to lead this club and group moving forward, and I feel like I’ve come to the decision that I’m not the right person.

“There’s so much optimism, excitement and energy at the club, internally and externally, with the fans, changes with the high performance team, our new draftees, top-end talent.

“It feels like so much excitement and optimism and newness, and being such a young group, it is a great chance for a young leader to come in and grow with all the group moving forward.

“Thank you to the club, and to Scotty for giving me the opportunity to captain the club. We’ll continue to leave no stone unturned to make sure we play in that last Saturday in September.”

Andy McGrath could step up after serving as vice-captain for the last three years with Mason Redman also in the mix.

The Bombers’ anger towards Merrett subsided after their initial fury, with the midfielder also insisting there is no bad blood with teammates or coaches.

Merrett has two years remaining on his contract.

Welsh, the former Bombers player turned president who has played a crucial role since the trade period, offered his “sincere thanks” to Merrett.

“His tenure has coincided with a vital period of cultural growth for our club,” he said.

“His passion, elite standards, and dedication to his teammates and drive to win showcases him as one of the best on-field leaders in the AFL

“This decision is an example of a selfless leader prioritising the best interests of the club moving forward.

“Zach and I have had many long discussions recently and he is absolutely all-in on our vision and can clearly see the direction we’re heading.

“He knows what we are building, and this decision supports that long-term goal with a focus on allowing the next wave of leaders to take control of this club.

“While he steps away from the captaincy, his influence on this playing group will not diminish. He remains a critical leader for us, and we know he will be integral to leading the next phase of our journey on-field.”

Merrett is the first of two AFL skippers to formally lose the leadership role after failing to secure a trade last month.

North Melbourne have repeatedly indicated Jy Simpkin is unlikely to be named captain for 2026 having looked at his options despite having four more years to run on his deal.