Zach Merrett in training with the Vics.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Zach Merrett did not look nervous. He did not look uncomfortable, and he did not look out of sorts. But he did mutter a telling comment minutes before he fronted footy’s travelling press pack in Perth earlier this afternoon: “Let’s get this over with,” he said.
The former Bombers skipper is in Perth representing Victoria in the coming State of Origin clash against Western Australia, and it was his turn to stand before the microphones.
But he knew the questions would quickly turn from wearing the Big V to being back at Essendon. And they did. Thick and fast.
This is how it unfolded.
Zach, what do you read into recent reports that you are considering extending your contract with the Bombers after seeking an off-season trade to Hawthorn?
“I don’t read into it,” he said. “I think something that was briefly spoken about through the last few months, clearly not something I’m thinking about these few days being away with Victoria, but something that will be ongoing.
“I need to get back and play really good footy and make sure that I continue to show up and be a good player for the footy club. And I’m sure those things will take care of themselves in due course.”
How do you approach Hawks coach Sam Mitchell, who is an assistant coach for Victoria on this trip to Perth? Have Essendon told you to stay away from him?
“It doesn’t affect me, good or bad. I think he’s another coach. Having Chris [Scott] there as the head coach is someone I’m really keen to learn off as much as I can within these two or three days.
“Obviously, his record speaks for itself. I feel like we get a clone in [Essendon coach] Brad and some of their philosophies, I’m sure, are the same.
“But to have Sam, but also Shaun Grigg, who’s got a really established career already as a coach, having those three guys together already, just hearing their points of view in team meetings, but also, to be honest, the players as well, guys like [Patrick] Dangerfield, [Marcus] Bontempelli, guys that have had really successful careers, and hearing their views on the game and how we should play as another player, it’s just interesting to hear how they view the game.”
What was it like for you going back to Essendon? We heard some of the players were disappointed when they thought they were losing you, and the relationships might have been strained?
“I don’t think it was strained. I think they, in a weird way, they were really keen to keep me and wanted to play with me, so I wouldn’t say they were strained relationships. I think no doubt there was a bit of awkwardness, just to start with, given that we went through those three months. But to Mason [Redman] and Nic’s [Martin] credit, we had dinner before we went back to make sure that we’re on the same page, and I could be clear with what I went through and what they went through, and we all walked back on the same page and got cracking into pre-season.
“I think it’s an ever-evolving space, the trade period, and the way the game is going, it’s going to evolve more and more moving forward. So, hopefully, if that does happen for other players moving forward, we aren’t as critical with that player.”
Zach Merrett relieved himself of the Essendon captaincy following his failed attempt to be traded to Hawthorn.Credit: Essendon FC
How was it for you personally? All the speculation, all the kind of heat that was on you, just, I guess, wanting to pursue what you wanted in your career?
“I think the media are there, and 99 per cent is incredible, and is a great part of our ecosystem, and supports the game in an incredible way. I think there’s that 1 per cent that isn’t so nice, but, I mean, I think we get paid extremely well. We get to live out our dream, and those Ts and Cs of media come with that. It’s intense at the time, but when you look back, I guess at the end of the day, it’s a game of footy.”
Do you see Essendon as your long-term home now?
“Yeah. I mean, I’m still contracted for two years, so I still very much feel like they’re in charge of my career moving forward. I think the way we’ve shifted and evolved and compounded some really good decisions in the pre-season, off-season – it looks really pleasing to replace and improve our fitness department with a new head of performance, new weights coach, obviously a new CEO recently, Andy coming on as captain, and then a new president.
“There’s been a fair bit of change, but I’ve been training in the environment, it’s been really fun to get back involved, and we trained a lot of high speed, as I’m sure most clubs are saying, but I think guys are just loving the environment this three months so far, and keen to try out what we’ve worked on against some real opposition in a couple of weeks.”
What in your mind has changed from wanting to seek a move to Hawthorn to now considering extending your contract?
“Yeah, I wouldn’t say considering it yet. There’s some openness to listen, as there always is, when you’re on your back nine of your career, so to speak, you’re always open with what that could look like.
“But nothing has progressed outside of a very preliminary chat. So sort of excluding that, I think the things that have shifted, as I said before, I think the fitness department’s really beefed up, and the club’s invested heavily resourcing that to make sure that players get the best opportunity to be fit, healthy and on the park for longer periods of time, so that we can hopefully have more talent come the weekend to string together some more wins.”
Were you nervous or apprehensive walking back through the doors?
“Not nervous. No. I think it’s weird when, you know, I played 250 games there, captained the club, and won six best and fairests, like, I feel pretty comfortable walking back into the club.
“I get the outside noise, and I get the people looking, having opinions on what I should do with my life. But no, I knew that was a really live possibility, and probably a high percentage chance I was going to be going back. So that was always very front of mind that moment and walking back into my locker and putting my boots on and getting back to work.”
