Essendon great Tim Watson has called for star midfielder Zach Merrett’s manager to come out and quash rumours of his desire to leave the club in the upcoming trade period.
Merrett has a contract for 2021, but speculation about his unhappiness at Tullamarine has been ongoing since the season ended.
Channel 7 reported on Friday night that Collingwood was set to make a play for Merrett, while Carlton has also been linked.
Watson previously stated his confidence that Merrett would see out his contract, but wants to hear it from his manager Tom Petroro’s mouth.
“100 per cent I don’t know (if he’s staying). I thought that he was staying, but this is the point. If he is (staying) and he’s got another year to run on his contract right, and this is all just speculation,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“So if this is all just talk, all his management needs to do today, Tom Petroro is his manager, just stand up somewhere, put up a statement Tom and say ‘yes, Merrett, end this speculation, he is not going anywhere, he wants to stay at Essendon and he will play out his contract at the Bombers. What happens beyond that we’re not sure about, but right now that’s what he is preparing to do’.
“I know Paul Brasher has said he’s had a conversation with Zach and Zach’s said he’s staying, but I would like to hear it from his management to say ‘he’s not going anywhere’.
“Otherwise this speculation will continue right through the trade period.”
Garry Lyon agrees and points the same spotlight at Collingwood in regards to Adam Treloar.
While the star midfielder has expressed his commitment to the Magpies, the club has been quiet in backing that up, while rumours circulate about whether they may look to trade him.
“It’s not what you say. It’s what you don’t say,” Lyon said.
“Adam Treloar. It’s not what he says. It’s what’s not being said by Collingwood.
“How easy is that for Collingwood? ‘Hey, didn’t you hear Adam on Friday? Here’s a statement, he’s contracted and under no circumstances we’ll trade him’.”