Essendon Bombers captain Zach Merrett has officially returned to the club after his dramatic off-season bid to be traded to Hawthorn ultimately failed. The midfield star's future became the centrepiece of trade period speculation, but a move to the Hawks did not materialise.
Captain's Unusual Pre-Season Absence
Merrett's return follows an unconventional start to the pre-season for the club's leader. He was notably absent from day one of training earlier this week, though the session was only mandatory for first-to-fourth-year players. The 30-year-old had remained interstate following a wedding commitment.
While his absence was technically within rules, it broke from the standard typically set by the club's leadership figures. Meanwhile, vice-captain Andrew McGrath – widely considered the heir apparent to the captaincy – was present alongside other senior players including Mason Redman, Kyle Langford, Jordan Ridley, Ben McKay and Peter Wright.
Merrett did not participate in training on Wednesday but did undergo essential pre-season medical screening and consultations with club physiotherapists. He is expected to return to the track later this week.
Teammates Rally Around Returning Star
Despite the trade saga and likely change in leadership, teammates have unanimously declared Merrett will be welcomed back without reservation.
"The group's galvanised. We're all good," defender Zach Reid told reporters. "He's obviously not required yet so that's not a big issue. But yeah, we'll welcome him back with open arms. He's our best player, and there's no denying that. So he's going to make us a better team."
Reid admitted uncertainty about Merrett's exact return date, noting "He's still got two weeks until he's officially back, so I don't know when he will come back. But when he does, we'll support him."
The young defender declined to comment on whether Merrett should retain the captaincy, stating he would cast his vote when the formal process occurs. Merrett has yet to officially address the entire playing group about the trade situation, though Reid confirmed some players "have been in touch with him."
Bombers Look to Move Forward After Turbulent 2024
Reid expressed confidence that Merrett's professional approach would ensure a smooth reintegration into the squad. "I think the group just wants to move on. You can't let that sort of stuff derail a pre-season or an off-season," he stated.
The Bombers are seeking redemption after a disastrous finish to the 2024 season, where they endured 13 consecutive losses amid an unprecedented injury crisis that forced the club to blood 15 debutants.
Reid, 23, showed promising form as a key defender before a hamstring injury cut his season short. Now fully fit, he's embracing the new high-performance program under Mathew Inness.
"Mat Inness has been great, and the team he's put together," Reid said. "I feel like our off-season program has been top-notch, and I think a lot of the boys agree. And it's really individualised, so I think the boys are liking that, and I've enjoyed it. It's been good."
In other positive news for the club, utility Nik Cox has been cleared to return to full training after receiving approval from the AFL concussion board. Cox had previously travelled to the United States to seek specialist advice from UFC experts regarding concussion management.
