Zach Merrett’s cryptic speech after winning Essendon Best and Fairest amid trade talk
Essendon captain Zach Merrett has given a cryptic speech after winning the club’s Best and Fairest amid speculation he wants out.
Essendon captain Zach Merrett has given a cryptic speech addressing his future after winning a sixth club best and fairest award on Thursday night, saying “no club should be defined by one person”.
Merrett has now won the past three best and fairest awards and is expected to formally request a trade to Hawthorn when the AFL Trade Period begins on Monday.
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The 29-year-old is contracted to Essendon until the end of 2027 but has grown frustrated by the club’s lack of progress and a rebuild that has taken far longer than expected.
Speaking after winning a sixth Crichton Medal with 217 votes, Merrett accepted the medal from coach Brad Scott before addressing his future, which was the elephant in the room.
“For me, the dialogue between myself and the club leaders has been extremely open and very clear both ways throughout the last few weeks,” Merrett said in a speech that was articulate but vague on details.
Watch Zach Merrett’s speech at the best and fairest in the video above
“I want to thank (new president) Andrew Welsh for his support recently, and I congratulate him on his presidency. I know he will lead this club with integrity, and (with) strong values.
“The last few weeks have certainly been difficult for me, my family and for many people in and around the football club. 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 uncertainties right now regarding the external noise and pressure. I am fully committed to continue working with the club, and with the help of those closest to me, work with 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 waver.”
Merrett also won the McCracken Medal, presented to the player who best exemplifies the club’s core values and DNA, as voted on by the playing group after each match.
Bill Hutchison and Essendon icon Dick Reynolds (seven each) are the only players with more Crichton Medals in Bombers history.
Merrett, who attended the awards function with his wife Alexandra, stated that no player is ever more important than the club.
“No club should be defined by one person, and Essendon is no different. It’s the sum of all parts that makes the club what it is,” Merrett added.
“If I’ve learned anything across the last 12 years … it is more than just being passionate, or hoping the club will get better. In elite sport, you must execute the shared vision and perform to the highest standards day in and day out.
“Lastly, and importantly, my heartfelt thanks to the fans — you always show up. Your passion and patience is something truly special.
“I said it on Brownlow night, and I’ll say it again tonight — we truly have the best supporters in the AFL.
“I share your frustrations that we haven’t been where we should be, and where we belong for a long period of time now. But rest assured, from the first day I walked in, I loved this club. I continue to love this club, and I will always love this club. I truly hope the success comes quickly.”
Kane Cornes slammed the speech, saying on Trade Radio: “It was a whole lot of nonsense to be honest, his speech.
“He has gone against everything he is saying. He is doing everything that is best for him, and not for the footy club. He has severely damaged his reputation. I didn’t think the speech was that impressive.”
Essendon coach Chris Scott praised his skipper earlier during the function.
“Zach had another exceptional year, and I know I speak for everyone when I say how proud we are to give his 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 Alexandra, and you’ll have my full support. Thanks for everything you’ve done.”
Merrett had attended last week’s Brownlow Medal at Essendon’s table, telling media he had a lot to work through over the upcoming weeks.
2025 Crichton Medal — Top 10
1. Zach Merrett – 217 votes
2. Archie Roberts – 186
3. Sam Durham – 175
4. Andrew McGrath – 171
5. Nic Martin – 116
6. Mason Redman – 114
7. Xavier Duursma – 111
8. Jye Caldwell – 101
9. Jaxon Prior – 95
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10. Peter Wright – 91
Elsewhere, Brisbane’s Josh Dunkley won the Lions’ best and fairest as coach Chris Fagan heralded him as the best two-way midfielder in the AFL.
Tom Green was named club champion for GWS Giants, Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney claimed his third Bob Skilton Medal and Geelong’s Max Holmes won the Carji Greeves Medal for the second year in a row.
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