Zach Merrett’s contract sweetened as Bombers fend off possible rival raids

After a reported heavy push from rivals to lure Zach Merrett out of Essendon, the Bombers have moved swiftly to ensure their captain won’t be going anywhere soon.

It will be hard to get Zach Merrett out of The Hanger now. Picture: Mark Stewart

Essendon has sweetened the contract of superstar captain Zach Merrett to help safeguard the gun midfielder from another poaching raid.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Bombers have bolstered the jet midfielder’s deal over summer as a reward for his continued on-field excellence and loyalty.

St Kilda made a bold and lucrative bid for Merrett at season’s end in a bid to try and prise the five-time best-and-fairest winner out of Tullamarine.

While Merrett did not seriously pursue the Saints cashed-up offer, it prompted a reassessment of the terms in his contract – including incentives – in recent months.

Zach Merrett has received a contract sweetener. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

A moderate pay rise was a smart move from Essendon’s hierarchy as the club could ill-afford to lose its best player and captain as it continues to invest in young talent over the next two years.

Merrett has been the Bombers’ most consistent and best-performed player over the past six years and remains fiercely determined to help lead the club to a drought-breaking finals win.

But another year out of the eight in 2025 would surely entice rivals to come again for Merrett, who was believed to be on about $900,000 per season before the recent bump-up.

The fresh top-up helps protect the 29-year-old’s future and helps bring Merrett into line with the other superstar midfielders in the competition, who are on seven-figure salaries.

Fast-rising midfield co-pilot Sam Durham, who enjoyed a breakout 2024 season finishing third in the best and fairest, is another player in-line for a contract boost.

The Bombers have also recently handed out better deals to Jordan Ridley (signed until 2029), Jye Caldwell (2028) and Kyle Langford (2027) to help lock some of their best players away.

But free agent Sam Draper faces a big decision on his contract this year with the athletic big man expected to hold off talks on his future after injuries in recent years.

Draper also turned down interest from St Kilda before he played a game, while Adelaide is set to keep close tabs on the ruckman this year.

Merrett, a three-time All-Australian, is contracted to Essendon until the end of 2027 after turning down big money from Port Adelaide to re-sign in red and black in 2021.

But finals success continues to evade the Bombers and Merrett admitted he had his head turned somewhat by St Kilda’s significant interest last year after another outstanding individual season.

Merrett told Channel 9 last year the offer was “quite large” and “potentially life-changing”, but was adamant he “did not have the appetite to leave”.

St Kilda is expected to come hard again for North Melbourne star midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke, GWS Giants onballer Finn Callaghan and Carlton’s Tom De Koning at season’s end.

Merrett last year won his fifth Crichton Medal to draw level with champion James Hird with five best and fairests. Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchison won seven each.

Merrett’s Dons have been starved of success. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

He farewelled close mate Jake Stringer in the trade period, content the decision was in the best interests of the Bombers.

Essendon is one of the clubs with significant salary cap space ahead of this year’s trade and free agency period.

The Bombers also have two first-round draft picks after trading its top pick last year for Melbourne’s future first-round selection and five other selections.

It means Essendon will be hoping the Demons remain outside the eight in 2025 to improve the club’s draft hand at season’s end.

Originally published as Zach Merrett’s contract sweetened as Bombers fend off possible rival raids