Andrew McGrath has become the latest Essendon player to speak out in response to Zach Merrett considering departing the club. <\/p>\n
The former no.1 draft pick meantime expressed confidence that wantaway defender Jordan Ridley would remain at the Bombers despite reportedly meeting with a rival club. <\/p>\n
McGrath, who is set to meet in person with Merrett on Monday to gain a fuller understanding of his situation, became the latest to explain his stance after Mason Redman and Nic Martin previously voiced their thoughts<\/a>. All three are in the club\u2019s leadership group. <\/p>\n Watch every match of the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n RELATED: \u2018Bitterly hurt\u2019 \u2014 Bombers bombshell takes twist as teammates speak out after skipper\u2019s trade reveal<\/a><\/p>\n Contracted club captain Merrett, who will reportedly proceed with plans to join Hawthorn<\/a> after 12 seasons at Tullamarine for no finals wins, recently met with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell<\/a> and football boss Rob McCartney. <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s mixed emotions. There\u2019s disappointment, there\u2019s a little bit of anger, there\u2019s sadness,\u201d McGrath told Channel Seven on Sunday in response. <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s obviously a superstar player for us, so to hear there\u2019s a bit of instability around his future and the footy club is always disheartening. <\/p>\n Panel react to Mitchell-Merrett question | 01:01<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve spoken to both of them (Merrett and Ridley) this morning (Sunday). Zach and I will catch up (on Monday), so we\u2019ll talk about everything and understand a bit about the situation and what\u2019s going on. <\/p>\n \u201cOur conversation this morning, he wanted to give me a little bit of space while I was away (overseas on holiday), and I really respected that.\u201d<\/p>\n There are now genuine doubts over whether Merrett will make an appearance at Essendon\u2019s upcoming best-and-fairest function, with the five-time Crichton medallist every chance of claiming his sixth gong. <\/p>\n \u201cWe hope Zach attends \u2014 I think he\u2019s a clear favourite to win the night; he\u2019s had a fantastic year, and we have a lot to celebrate,\u201d McGrath added. <\/p>\n Probed about his chat with Merrett after Hawthorn\u2019s semi-final win over Adelaide, Mitchell was unapologetic about his ongoing duty to make his club better. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to get into any details, but \u2026 I couldn\u2019t have prepared any better for this game is what I would say,\u201d he said in his post-match press conference last Friday night.<\/p>\n \u201cMy job is to win as many games as I possibly can as the coach of this club and to improve this club in any way I see fit so I will continue to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n “Not going into any details…” | 08:21<\/p>\n