Nick Dal Santo is concerned about what Zach Merrett’s contraction situation at Essendon could mean in the coming months.
The 25-year-old will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, having opted to delay re-signing at the Bombers after a disappointing campaign in 2020.
A recent AFL Media report said Merrett is looking to assess Essendon's direction under new coach Ben Rutten before pledging his long-term future to the club.
Dal Santo said the report was a concerning development, but it didn’t necessarily mean the gun on-baller would look to leave Tullamarine at the end of the season.
“(The report about Merrett assessing the club’s direction) concerns me,” Dal Santo said on SEN Summer Breakfast.
“There’s been a handful of players who have left the Bombers in recent years – I love Zach Merrett and I reckon he’s had a few knockers.
“The criticisms (on his game) are the inconsistency, winning his own football, having an impact on the game. If he is anywhere near his best, he’s good. His ability to find the football and use the football (is great).
“What does it mean if someone isn’t going to commit right now? It isn’t overly concerning, but there definitely is something in it.”
After finishing 13th last season with just six wins, the Bombers would be targeting a much-improved campaign in 2021.
Dal Santo said it was only natural that a high-profile restricted free agent like Merrett would look at alternative options if the club continued their struggles into this year.
“Winning covers up for everything and if you’re not winning, it’s really hard and not enjoyable,” he said.
“When it’s not enjoyable, you look for a change. You just want to win games of football.
“He’s absolutely within his rights to sit back, the football club doesn’t owe him anything and the player doesn’t owe anything to the football club.
“We now understand the landscape and the clubs and players doing what’s best for them.”