Zach Merrett says he “still feels the love” at Essendon despite a sour past fortnight, but he maintained there are imminent “conversations with appropriate stakeholders” about his uncertain future at the club.

The star midfielder answered questions about his playing future upon arrival at Crown Palladium for Brownlow Medal night.

There was initially some doubt over whether Merrett would still attend the AFL’s night of nights, given the backlash he’s received for seeking a trade to Hawthorn, but the skipper confirmed his appearance on Monday evening.

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Speaking to Fox Sports News reporter Drew Jones, Merrett began by admitting Monday night was set to be “unique” considering the events of the past fortnight.

“I’m looking forward to it. Obviously, it’s a unique night given the last two weeks, but it’s much bigger than me, clearly. There’ll be some amazing individual seasons will be celebrated tonight, and there’ll be a very worthy winner come 10 o’clock,” Merrett told Fox Sports.

Asked how he was coping amid the inescapable scrutiny, Merrett said: “It’s been a difficult time for me and my family when you’re dealing with things largely in the media.

“I’ve had constant dialogue with the club, I’ve felt their support behind closed doors — which has been incredible — and I’ve had some amazing messages from a number of people in the footy world, but also broader than that.

“It’s been difficult, but it’s the industry we’re in. I understand that. It’s different to being critiqued for kicks and handballs, so we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks.”

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Asked where things sit between him and Essendon, Merrett said: “I still feel the love. It’s a place that I absolutely adore and have for 12 years.

“What happens beyond that, I don’t know. But I still love it regardless. I still feel like Brad has love for me and support for me. So, we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks as we work through what’s next for all of us — but there’s plenty of factors at play, and a fair bit of uncertainty as well.”

Asked if anything had changed, Merrett said: “There’s probably broader things than that. I’ll go into detail at a later date, but for the moment right now, I’ll get through tonight, wake up tomorrow and get back to training.

“There’ll be conversations and meetings had away from the media behind closed doors with the appropriate stakeholders, and we’ll see where it lands.”

After finishing his interview with Jones, Merrett could be seen in conversation with teammates Andy McGrath and Nic Martin.

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But speculation around a blockbuster Essendon-Hawthorn trade hasn’t died down, nor will it as the October player movement period continues to edge closer.

“This one has shifted significantly,” the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph told Fox Footy’s On the Couch last week of a possible Merrett move.

“Essendon is realising: ‘We have to trade our captain, we just have to make sure we get the best possible deal’. His manager, Tom Petroro, will be the one who effectively brokers this deal.

“The problem is Essendon will say they want two first-round picks and maybe another quality player. And Hawthorn is always hard to deal with; they were hard to deal with in the Tom Barrass situation. They’ll say he’s probably worth Pick 8.”

Merrett’s comments come a night after reports surfaced detailing insurgents set to challenge Dave Barham’s Essendon board.

Those threatening to challenge Barham’s board believe “the club has been left rudderless, and the Barham era has left a legacy of division, instability, player drainage and lost opportunity”, according to Nine’s Tom Morris.

In addition to Merrett’s desire for a departure, ruck Sam Draper has officially signalled his intention to leave Essendon as a free agent, while defender Jordan Ridley is reportedly pursuing a move to Brisbane this October.