Sport Confidential is your wrap of all the footy gossip and banter.
Zach Merrett is heading away to consider his future as he grapples with the ongoing toll of being part of a losing side.
The former Essendon captain didn’t end up being traded to Hawthorn as he had hoped last year, with many believing he’ll request to leave again.
After making an appearance at Parkmore Shopping Centre on Saturday, Merrett said he’d use his time away in Japan to take stock.
“It’s been a pretty stressful year and losing so many games you get emotionally drained,’’ he said.
“It will be nice to get away and clear my head.
“It was a long season and it was nice to finally get a coach announced. There’s a buzz with finals here and it was good to get around the fans.”
Merrett was reportedly keen to stay at the Bombers if his close friend James Hird got the coaching job.
But he said he’s thrilled to see Mark McVeigh get a chance.
“James and I are close and we have a strong relationship and bond,’’ he said.
“We chatted through the process and I wasn’t getting involved. I’m sad for him but it didn’t have any impact. Spike will do a great job and fans will fall in love with his passion.”
‘Crimestoppers’ quietest night of the year’
AFL boss Andrew Dillon has poked fun at Collingwood fans – while feting the success of the inaugural wildcard finals round.
Speaking to a room full of VIPs at the MCG before the Western Bulldogs’ thrilling three point win against the Pies, Mr Dillon couldn’t resist a dig at Collingwood fans who turned out in force as usual in the stands.
“It will be a historic evening, a game packed with stars, a contest we’ll never forget, and it could be Crimestoppers’ quietest night of the year,’’ he said.
While Crimestoppers might have been quiet for the evening, it did not stop Collingwood fans brawling among themselves.
Police evicted four men after Collingwood fans took their frustrations out on each other, clashing in wild scenes after their team kissed its premiership hopes goodbye for another season.
Earlier, Mr Dillon was on a roll about the merits of wildcard round, comparing it tongue-in-cheek with some of modern histories greatest advances such as the wheel, the iPhone and sliced bread.
“As the CEO of the AFL, occasionally you’re involved in decisions that will be universally loved,’’ he said.
“Gather round, kids go free month, daytime grand final, a team in Tassie, AFLX.’’
Meanwhile, Mr Dillon was beaming at Saturday night’s AFL function, given the success
of Wildcard round.
He quipped that some liked to call it “Round 25” when he welcomed guests — not looking at you Ed Richards — but he was hailing it as the best start to wildcard round ever.
“I am pleased to announce that with a crowd of 81,000 last night, with viewership of reach of 3.5 million and an average broadcast of 1.6 million, that the AFL wildcard final last night was the most viewed and highest attended Wildcard final of all time.”