Overview
- Merrett said Essendon are in charge of his career under his current deal and that nothing beyond a preliminary discussion has occurred on a new contract.
- He remains contracted to the Bombers through 2027 after last year’s attempted trade to Hawthorn collapsed on deadline day.
- He relinquished the Essendon captaincy after returning and has since focused on preseason, with teammates praising his work.
- Merrett held a clear-the-air dinner with Mason Redman and Nic Martin before preseason to address any awkwardness from the failed move.
- He praised the club’s bolstered high-performance program, highlighting the arrival of Mat Inness, and is training in Perth with Victoria’s AAMI AFL Origin squad while downplaying any issue with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell on the staff.