Merrett wins best and fairest, but Bombers exit looms
Anna Harrington |
Essendon captain Zach Merrett has won a sixth and likely final club best and fairest and all but farewelled the Bombers as he seeks to leave the embattled AFL club.
The Bombers were blindsided when news broke that Merrett had met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell three weeks ago.
Essendon had been adamant they won’t let their captain, who is contracted until the end of 2027, leave the club.
Merrett claimed Thursday night’s Crichton Medal, moving to outright third in club history, on 217 votes ahead of young gun Archie Roberts (186) and fellow midfielder Sam Durham (175).
In his speech, he said his dialogue with Essendon’s hierarchy had been “extremely open and very clear both ways” regarding his future.
Merrett, who has yet to win a final in 12 years at Essendon, also stressed team success always trumped “personal glory” and “individual honours”.
“The past few weeks have certainly been difficult for me, my family and for many people in and around the Essendon Football Club,” he said.
“I respect the club’s position regarding their desire to retain me at the football club and fully understand what it means to be a contracted player and captain.
“I acknowledge that there are complexities and uncertainty right now, and regardless of the external noise and pressure, I’m willing and committed to continue working with the club and will, with the help of those closest to me, work through those factors at play.
“I don’t have control over what others say or do, but from my perspective I will always show care and consideration for the fans, my teammates, coaches and the club. Even if we disagree on some things, that’s my commitment, and it will not waiver.
“What I can say categorically is my approach to football has always been the same. That is to stay ultra professional, gather the right information from people I trust, and make the best possible decisions for my career and family.
“No club should be defined by one person, and Essendon is no different.”
Earlier, coach Brad Scott threw his support behind Merrett and expressed the Bombers’ love for their under-fire captain in what seemed like a potential farewell message.
“Zach had another exceptional year and I know I speak for everyone when I say how proud we are to see him give his heart and soul for our club on a weekly basis,” Scott said.
“It’s been a difficult few weeks for Zach. It’s been a difficult few weeks for Zach and his family, and I’d like to thank all those who have supported him
“We love you Zach. We love you and (Merrett’s wife) Alexandra and you’ll always have my full support.
“Thanks for everything you’ve done.”
Scott, who had his right arm in a sling after shoulder surgery, also flagged the Bombers will host Hawthorn in round one next year.
Merrett earlier collected a third straight McCracken Medal as the player who best represents the club’s values and spirit, and when club great Simon Madden presented the medal, he kissed the midfielder on the head.
(Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
Earlier Merrett chose not to speak to reporters when approached on his way into the event.
Merrett was at a table that included departing defender and close friend Jayden Laverde, on-baller Jye Caldwell, forward Matt Guelfi, midfielder Will Setterfield and young gun Nate Caddy.
Senior players including Andrew McGrath, Kyle Langford and Nic Martin were on different but adjoining tables to the skipper – whose captaincy appears untenable if he does ultimately stay.
New club president Andrew Welsh didn’t address the elephant in the room in his speech but attempted to galvanise the club.
“This is our time to galvanise. Our foundations are set and it’s time to unite,” he said.
“We win together, we lose together. But we stick together – and when we stick together, we’re a formidable club. All in, all heart.
“This is our time, this is our moment and we’re about to embark on our greatest era yet, so let’s get running. Go Bombers.”
The Bombers haven’t tasted premiership success since 2000, and last won a final in 2004.
AAP
