Essendon coach Brad Scott has thrown his full support behind club captain Zach Merrett at the Crichton Medal, as speculation continues to run rife around his playing future at Tullamarine.

The 29-year-old is at this stage expected to request a move to Hawthorn during the upcoming trade period, after 251 games and a dozen seasons at the club.

Sporting a sling on the right side of his body, the Bombers coach of three years addressed the club faithful on Merrett’s circumstances at Centrepiece in Melbourne Park at their 2025 Best and Fairest.

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“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’s expected request comes despite being in-contract until the end of 2027 at Tullamarine. If he were to leave the club, it would make him the first club captain in-contract to depart their club since Ryan Griffen departed the Western Bulldogs for GWS all the way back in 2014.

His teammate Sam Draper has already informed the club of his desire to depart Tullamarine this free agency period, with the 205cm to join Brisbane.

“They’re all sad in different ways, but Sam Draper … it’s sad to see you leave. You’re someone that I have a lot of affinity for, and he’s left an indelible imprint on our team. His enthusiasm, his infectious personality will be certainly missed — but we’ll miss you and Izzy all the best up North. Thanks ‘Drapes’,” Scott said.

The 49-year-old also acknowledged delisted players Todd Goldstein, Dylan Shiel, Jayden Laverde, Alwyn Davey Jnr, Jye Menzie and Oskar Smartt, wishing them all the best in their future endeavours.

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New Bombers President Andrew Welsh didn’t directly address speculation around the future of key players, however did finish his seven-and-a-half minute long speech before Scott with a mention to his vision of “one Essendon”.

“I’m all about one Essendon, one club. My message applies to everyone in this room. From our players, coaches, staff and volunteers, to our members and supporters. This is our time to galvanise,” Welsh said.

“Our foundations are set, and it’s time to unite. 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.”