‘Very strange’: Emotional Merrett’s awkward admission after Dons exit
Zach Merrett admitted it felt “very strange” to be leaving Essendon as he addressed the club’s members and supporters via an emotional letter after securing a trade to Hawthorn.
Merrett, whose relationship with Essendon soured over a chaotic two-year period, also said he looked forward to returning down the track to cheer on the Bombers.
Zach Merrett has secured a trade to Hawthorn. Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
The former Bombers captain is finally a Hawk after Essendon agreed to let him go on Monday in exchange for picks 15 and 25 in this year’s draft, as well as Hawthorn’s 2028 second-round selection.
Essendon refused to give up Merrett in the 2025 trade period, forcing the contracted superstar to remain against his wishes, but after 274 games in red and black he is off to Hawthorn.
“Thank you,” Merrett, 31, wrote in a letter to the Essendon faithful on Monday night.
“Across 13 years and 274 games, your support through the ups and downs has meant the world to me.
“I always tried to make you proud. I tried to play with an effort no one could match, and to get up for every game I possibly could. I hope I did that for you.
“It feels very strange to be leaving, and it’s a time for reflection.”
Merrett said he still remembered the night his named was called out at pick 26 in the 2013 draft, and walking into the Essendon headquarters for the first time four days later.
The triple All-Australian said he was in awe of Dyson Heppell and Jobe Watson, and recalled having the job of stretching Watson’s hamstring on his first day at the club.
He also reflected on making his AFL debut against North Melbourne in 2014, playing in the game in which Dustin Fletcher overtook Simon Madden to become Essendon’s outright games record holder, and playing alongside his brother Jackson at the Bombers.
“There have been incredible moments and some hard ones,” Merrett wrote.
“But what I’ll take with me most are the relationships: teammates, coaches, staff, volunteers and fans, on and off the field. My family and I are eternally grateful for everything this club has given us.
“Essendon will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I grew up, as a footballer and as a person. Captaining this club was the greatest honour of my career, and I’ll never take for granted that I got to lead Essendon.”
According to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey, Merrett agreed to a four-year deal with Hawthorn worth $4 million, which includes a trigger for a fifth season.
“In the years to come, I’ll be back with a scarf around my neck,” Merrett added, “cheering on the next generation of Essendon stars.”
