Zach Merrett has told Essendon teammates he will not be captain for the 2026 season, following his failed trade request to Hawthorn. The 30-year-old, appointed captain in 2023, informed the squad of his decision upon returning to preseason training.
Merrett's position became untenable after he sought a move to the Hawks, citing a loss of 'love and connection' with the Bombers. Despite being contracted until 2027, Essendon refused to trade the star midfielder, rejecting all offers from Hawthorn.
Vice-captain Andrew McGrath is the early favourite to become the club's next skipper. Merrett said in a club statement: '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.'
Merrett, a six-time best-and-fairest winner, has played 251 matches for Essendon since his debut in 2014 but has not won a final. Similarly, North Melbourne's Jy Simpkin, who also failed to secure a trade despite being contracted, is expected to relinquish his captaincy.
