Matthew Lloyd believes Zach Merrett should be Essendon’s highest paid player, saying he would offer the star on-baller a deal worth around $850,000 per season.
The 25-year-old is out of contract and eligible for free agency at the end of 2021, with rival clubs already circling the gun Bomber as he weighs up whether to re-sign or look elsewhere.
Merrett said in a recent Herald Sun interview that he was still undecided about his future beyond this year and Lloyd said that stance was largely because of how driven he is to see him and his teammates improve.
“Zach Merrett would like to see some wins, they were honest comments (in the Herald Sun over the weekend) and he’s a professional,” he said on Sportsday.
“He’s going to win multiple best and fairest and All-Australian (honours) and he won’t have a winning final (at this stage). He wants to play in big games and in a successful team.
“He’s as hard on his teammates as anyone around asking about whether they could be working on their craft, he’s demanding success and he wants that so that’s why he’s taking time.
“I would have (Zach Merrett) as Essendon’s highest paid player. I would pay him around the $800-850,000 mark (to stay)."
Essendon lost their third game this season by under a goal in Round 8, their latest defeat coming at the hands of GWS at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday.
Lloyd said it was crucial his former club beat a struggling Fremantle at home this weekend to ensure they notched up the results their performances under new coach Ben Rutten deserved.
“They’re having one of those seasons where they’re in games but can’t win them," he said.
“They have Fremantle at Marvel Stadium this week and to frank their form they must win that one.”