Kane Cornes has levelled criticism against Zach Merrett for his speech after winning Essendon’s Best and Fairest for a sixth time on Thursday. Merrett and wife Alexandra fronted up at the club’s presentation night after reports had emerged he was considering skipping it.
Cornes had earlier warned Merrett that skipping the Crichton Medal would “lack courage” amid his request for a trade to Hawthorn. Zach and Alexandra fronted up in a brave move on Thursday night, which wouldn’t have been easy considering how much criticism they’ve received.
Zach Merrett and wife Alexandra fronted up at Essendon’s presentation night. Image: Essendon Bombers
Merrett delivered a telling and thought-out speech after winning the club’s highest honour for a sixth time. “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, and with the help of those closest to me, work through those factors at play.”
Zach Merrett won his sixth Crichton Medal. Image: Essendon Bombers
He added: “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.
“I don’t play football for individual honours. I never have and never will. It’s all about being part of something much bigger. I think team success will always trump personal glory for me. I’ve always been motivated by team success, elite standards and performance excellence.”
Kane Cornes rips Zach Merrett’s Best and Fairest speech
But according to Cornes, Merrett’s words don’t ring true to what he’s doing. The AFL pundit and 300-gamer believes Merrett is putting himself before the club and his teammates.
“Well done to him for going, it would have been drastic decision to make (not to go), but it’s a whole lot of nonsense really his speech,” Cornes said on SEN radio. “I’m sure his management would have sat down and written that for hm. But when he speaks about no individual being bigger than the club, he’s doing this for himself. He’s gone completely against what he’s saying.
“They’re just words. He doesn’t fully believe that no one is bigger than the club, the decisions he has made in the last few weeks are what is best for him not the club. It’s disappointing, he has damaged his reputation and it will be hard to repair it regardless of what happens in the next fortnight.”
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Brad Scott’s support for Zach Merrett and wife
Coach Brad Scott had earlier wrapped his arms around Merrett and his wife in his own speech. “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 Alexandra and you’ll always have my full support. Thanks for everything you’ve done.”