'Magnified the whole problem': Mick Malthouse's three-word solution to ugly Zach Merrett saga
Zach Merrett reckons he's enjoying his new role mentoring young talent at the club.
But amid fresh reports the Bombers' former skipper is again looking for an exit from the Hangar, coaching legend Mick Malthouse has urged the club to cut him loose.
As pressure continues to mount on coach Brad Scott, Malthouse believes forcing Merrett to stay at the club against his will is only doing more damage.
READ MORE: Aussie's massive win as club kicked out of EPL playoff for spying
READ MORE: Tour cyclists scolded over gross urination habit
READ MORE: Touching reason Portugal named World Cup 'plus one'
Speaking on Nine's Today on Wednesday morning, Malthouse said the club had never fully recovered from the supplements saga of more than a decade ago.
"They've never been able to get their feet on the ground like some of the others," he said.
Zach Merrett and his Bombers teammates after their loss to the Dockers. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"And now what's happened is you've got a former captain who's probably playing football where he doesn't want to be, and that's magnified the whole problem at Essendon.
"We have a system that is very skewiff. The top side last year, the premiers (Brisbane), they were able to get two of the best players running around in free agency. Bottom sides don't get those. Essendon at the moment are a bottom side. They just won't get good players outside of the draft.
"It Merrett wants to go, I think grab his value now and move him on."
Merrett believes he's still a senior leader at the club despite having stood down as captain. Getty
Despite having stood down as skipper following his failed transfer to Hawthorn, Merrett insists he remains a part of the club's leadership group.
He explained he was "trying to play different roles and plug positions", which had been a "fun and a different challenge".
"I'm there to help Brad as much as I can in different roles and that's probably been different to other years as well," he said on Fox Sports' AFL360.
"Last year being captain, you feel like everything is on your shoulders - this year has felt a little different. I've spent more time on ground floor helping the kids.
"I was very much aware through the trade period … where the club was at – it was clear it was rebuilding and backing in your draft.
"I think for me, as much as it isn't always four points, it's trying to find those little wins - those little enjoyment moments. Whether it's training, conversations with young players and trying to guide them along the journey."
When questioned by host and Demons great Garry Lyon if that was enough, Merrett was coy.
"That's where I am now, that's what it is. I've got to make the most of my current situation where I'm at and where the club's at," he said.
"I feel it's a big responsibility. I want to win, and we're trying to win every week.
"When you're 1-9 and you're watching big games, of course you get jealous and you want to be playing in those big games and experience the big crowds. No doubt Pendles' (Scott Pendlebury's record breaking) game on the weekend is going to be one of those moments you feel envious of."
Merrett said he was still "in a rush" to improve his own game.
"I don't think any AFL player likes losing – clearly 1-9 is not where we want to be, where I want to be," he said.
"There's so many areas in my game that I want to get better at and I'm in a rush to do that.
"We're obviously all in it together as a coaching group and playing group.
"(But) you're trying to perform as well individually and making sure you're holding up your end of the bargain to then try and help develop those around you.
"That's a challenge in itself.
"No doubt we can certainly be better … The pleasing part? Those young guys are taking their opportunity with both hands.
"They are very much driving the club forward as well."
The Bombers are favourites to beat fellow strugglers Richmond in Dreamtime At The 'G this weekend.
