'Frustrated' Essendon skipper Zach Merrett urged to publicly clarify trade reports
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has urged "frustrated" skipper Zach Merrett to work on "fixing" his off field output in order to steady the club as they look to play finals in 2025.
It follows reports that Merrett would be offered a "godfather' deal from St Kilda, to join the rival club next season.
However, both clubs have since denied the trade discussions, with Lloyd now turning his focus to what Merrett can give to ensure stability at the helm.
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"(I'm) suspicious in that he's been frustrated for a number of years. Frustrated with the standard and not winning a final. He wants to play on the big stage," Lloyd said on Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night.
"But I also think he can improve himself, not on field, because he can't do any more."
Zach Merrett of the Bombers looks dejected after their round 23 loss to Sydney. AFL Photos via Getty Images
It's in his relationships where Lloyd wants to see an improvement, where stability is most required to prove his commitment and wave off any trade rumours.
It comes after reports surfaced that Merrett had met with coach Brad Scott to express his disappointment in certain contract talks with his teammates.
That very conversation, which saw Merrett reportedly defending teammates Jake Stringer and Jayden Laverde, who were not offered longer contracts when requested, sent the club into a frenzy at the start of September.
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"In terms of, sometimes the way he might be with his relationships with players. He can sometimes show that he is frustrated," Lloyd said.
"Try and add to fixing this place, rather than showing frustration, where it's got other clubs thinking they can try and prize him out."
Caroline Wilson now wants to hear from Merrett himself to explain his side of the story, and to confirm he is committed to leading Essendon until at least the end of his contract in 2027.
"These stories paint him as a bit selfish, that's why I think we need to hear from him," she said.
"You don't react to every media story, but if he is adamant that this is wrong, we need to hear from Zach Merrett in the next month or so."
The Saints and Bombers moved to shoot down trade suggestions which surfaced on Sunday night.
"We have not approached his management with a contract offer for Zach to join St Kilda," a Saints spokesperson said on Monday.
Essendon skipper Zach Merrett is dejected after the loss to Gold Coast in round 22. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"There has also not been any formal discussion of this topic with Zach or his management."
The Bombers followed the Saints in denying the reports.
"Neither the club or Zach have any interest in exploring the concept," Essendon said in a statement.
"He is our captain and not going anywhere."
The AFL trade period begins on Monday, October 9.
