'Best for both club and player': Matthew Lloyd concedes Zach Merrett should leave Essendon as rivals circle again

Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has conceded the time has come for Zach Merrett to cut ties with the club and search for success elsewhere.

Merrett's contract situation was one of the AFL's biggest talking points at the end of last year, with the now-former captain pursuing a trade to Hawthorn.

At the time, the Bombers dug their heels in and Merrett stuck around, only for the side to register one win from their opening nine matches this season.

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While both parties attempted to make it work, journalist Sam McClure revealed on Nine's Footy Classified that the gun midfielder was again weighing up a move away from the Bombers and there was no shortage of possible suitors to sign him.

"He is once again considering his future away from Essendon," he said.

"This is after the infamous failed trade to Hawthorn, who may have told people they have cooled on their interest - they haven't, they will be vying for Zach Merrett again.

"I think there will be a couple of other clubs including Melbourne, who have plenty of salary cap space and if they keep going on the trajectory they're going, could be of some interest. Zach Merrett's camp have not completely ruled out moving interstate.

"It's a significant story that he wants out again, but it's of no great surprise."

The 30-year-old has been Essendon's best player for a number of years and guided the club through some incredibly difficult times on and off the field.

However, with the desire to compete for premierships at the back end of his career and the Bombers not getting any closer, Lloyd believes it could be the right time.

"I think it's best for both club and player," the 270-game Bombers legend said.

"They would have both done their best and would have hoped that he could finish his career at the club, but all he wants now is to play in a successful side and play finals.

"He's got more best and fairests than just about anyone in the history of the game, he's got five or six Crichton Medals at the club.

"I think they'll both shake hands at the end of the year and move on and even the Bombers supporters may accept it's best for Zach to go and not try to hang in there."

Essendon will take on fellow cellar dwellers Richmond on Friday night.