Overview
- Merrett informed teammates of his decision at an 8am meeting after recent discussions with president Andrew Welsh, CEO Craig Vozzo and coach Brad Scott.
- Essendon confirmed he will not return as skipper next season, ending a three-year captaincy he described as an honour.
- The change follows his unsuccessful off-season attempt to be traded to Hawthorn, a saga that tested club-player relations.
- Merrett remains under contract for two more years and says a younger leader should guide the club’s developing list.
- Internal candidates to take over include vice-captain Andy McGrath, with defender Mason Redman also mentioned as in contention.