Heath Shaw would not be too fussed if Zach Merrett were to leave Essendon, if he were a Bombers fan.
The midfielder recently admitted to the Herald Sun that he was unsure about his future in the red and black, and although he is “completely devoted and committed right now”, he is yet to make a “full-term decision”.
Merrett, 25, is out of contact this year and has been linked to the likes of Port Adelaide, Carlton and Collingwood, while Hawthorn, Brisbane and Melbourne are also believed to be in the mix.
While many Dons supporters would love to see Merrett stay put, Magpies premiership player and former GWS defender Shaw wouldn’t be “too upset” if he departed The Hangar.
“I do love the honesty, but I’ll be honest with you Zach, I don’t think you’re that great,” Shaw said on 7AFL’s Heater & Daisy Show.
“So, you are saying I’m undecided on my future, or maybe saying he’s a very important part, but you know what? He got kicked out of the leadership group for a reason… because he wasn’t a good leader.
“I’m not sure he’s that great. If I was Essendon, I wouldn’t be playing hardball, but I wouldn’t be too upset if he left.
“If he leaves, get a couple of draft picks.”
Dale Thomas suggested that perhaps the Bombers may have to offer Merrett under the odds which could force the on-baller to look elsewhere.
Thomas asked Shaw if he were a “Collingwood or Carlton, would you throw the bus at him to get him”?
Shaw replied: “No. Zach might be a nice guy, but midfielders are a dime a dozen.”
Merrett is in career-best form in 2021, averaging 31 disposals, almost five tackles and six inside 50s and four clearances across eight games.
Heath Shaw isn’t sold on Zach Merrett. pic.twitter.com/BL4VVYPsen
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 14, 2021