Merrett steps away from Essendon captaincy

Zach Merrett has stepped down as Essendon captain.

The star midfielder, who attempted to join Hawthorn during the trade period, has opted to step away from his role as Bombers skipper.

The club posted: “Zach Merrett has today informed his teammates and the football club that he will step down as Captain ahead of the 2026 AFL Season.”

"It has been an absolute honour to be the 41st Captain of the Essendon Football Club. Growing up, it was a childhood dream of mine running around the backyard in Cobden, and it has been an opportunity that my family and I are very proud of," Merrett said in a club statement.

"If you told younger me I would get to Captain this club for three years, I would have pinched myself. It's been something I've really enjoyed and loved doing. I've really enjoyed being Captain to lead so many great current and past players.

"It's been weighing on my mind around who is the best person to lead this Club and group moving forward, and I feel like I've come to the decision that I'm not the right person. There's so much optimism, excitement and energy at the club, internally and externally, with the fans, changes with the High-Performance Team, our new draftees, top-end talent.

"It feels like so much excitement and optimism and newness, and being such a young group, it is a great chance for a young leader to come in and grow with all the group moving forward.

"Thank you to the club, all our passionate and loyal members and supporters, and to Scotty for giving me the opportunity to Captain the club.

"We'll continue to leave no stone unturned to make sure we play in that last Saturday in September.”

Bombers president Andrew Welsh thanked Merrett for his dedication as club captain.

“On behalf of the Board and all Essendon members and supporters, I want to sincerely thank Zach for his immense contribution as our captain over the last three seasons," Welsh said.

"His tenure has coincided with a vital period of cultural growth for our club. His passion, elite standards, and dedication to his teammates and drive to win showcases him as one of the best on-field leaders in the AFL. This decision is an example of a selfless leader prioritising the best interests of the club moving forward.

“Zach and I have had many long discussions recently and he is absolutely all-in on our vision and can clearly see the direction we’re heading. He knows what we are building, and this decision supports that long-term goal with a focus on allowing the next wave of leaders to take control of this club. While he steps away from the captaincy, his influence on this playing group will not diminish. He remains a critical leader for us, and we know he will be integral to leading the next phase of our journey on-field."

Merrett took over as skipper from Dyson Heppell ahead of the 2023 season, leading for three years.

Andrew McGrath served as Merrett's vice-captain in 2025 and appears most likely to take the reins. Essendon's leadership group last season was rounded out by Mason Redman, Kyle Langford and Nic Martin.