Zach Merrett speaks out on Brad Scott conversation, confirms St Kilda approach

Essendon Bombers star Zach Merrett has opened up on his time in the headlines over the past few weeks, confirming there was interest from St Kilda.

9news Melbourne's Tom Morris reported St Kilda could make a 'godfather offer' to Merrett before Essendon said they had no interest in the concept.

The report stated a formal approach had not been made with St Kilda also releasing a statement confirming they had not approached Merrett with a contract offer.

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Despite no formal offer, Merrett did confirm to The Age there had been contact between his manager and St Kilda.

"I was driving home one day and got a call from my manager. I had not had one single thought about leaving or wanting to leave, so got a call from him to say there is a potential offer from St Kilda that is quite large … I felt I had to take it to my partner [Alexandra] even though I did not have the appetite to leave, I felt it was the right thing to do," Merrett said.

"It was not that I wanted to leave. It was more: 'This is potentially life-changing.' After a few discussions with my partner, who obviously knows me very well … money is one thing, but it never got to the stage where I want to entertain this, or I want to have a discussion with St Kilda."

Merrett, who signed a six-year deal in 2021, went on to state he feels "indebted" to Essendon's success-starved fan base before adding "I could not see myself leaving".

The report around a potential trade wasn't the only reason Merrett found himself in the news.

With his friend and teammate Nick Hind delisted along with Jayden Laverde and Jake Stringer unlikely to be offered new deals, Merrett discussed the contract situations with coach Brad Scott.

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The Bombers captain said he was "pissed off" to see suggestions he'd put his friendships ahead of club interests.

"I would never, ever put personal relationships or personal biases ahead of what is right for the team or decisions people are making at the club," Merrett said.

"[Brad and I] chatted about everyone. He updated me on their exit interviews and the discussions that they had at the club with Jake [Stringer] and Jayden [Laverde] and their managers, but also with the guys who got delisted and also other players that may not have seemed as prominent or that I may not be as close with personally.

"It was more of a discussion, and he was keen to hear my thoughts on where I see individuals and the guys I thought could help us move forward as well. It was a healthy discussion.

"Jake is not naive. He's 30. He's not stupid. He is respectful that Brad has [been honest]. We have chatted a lot and I have actually been pretty impressed with his response."