For Essendon captain Zach Merrett, the past eleven years with the club have been anything but smooth. Despite the ups and downs, the Bombers now find themselves sitting third on the ladder with an 8-4-1 record after 13 rounds, giving Merrett and fans alike a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
Merrett’s career took a dramatic turn in his third season when he and 33 other senior players were found guilty of taking the banned substance Thymosin Beta 4. This scandal led to a 12-month suspension for the players and senior coach James Hird in 2016, alongside a hefty $2 million fine. This period, arguably the darkest in the club’s history, offered Merrett, alongside teammates like Darcy Parish and Mason Redman, a chance to step up and shine amidst the turmoil.
Reflecting on those challenging years, Merrett expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans. “I’ve been through an interesting 11 years with the ASADA saga and lack of finals success,” Merrett shared with Wide World of Sports. “The support we’ve had has been overwhelming. It’s remarkable how our fans have stayed loyal despite the setbacks.”
As Essendon now aims to make amends, Merrett is determined to “repay the faith” shown by the supporters with strong performances on the field. “We just want to be on this journey with them,” Merrett emphasized. With a deeper squad bolstered by mature-aged recruits and the development of players like Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell, the team is better positioned to handle challenges and push forward.
Despite a recent loss to the Blues in round 13, Merrett remains focused on the bigger picture rather than just finals. “We respect how even the competition is right now,” he noted. “Every game feels like a 50-50 battle. We still see areas where we need to improve to compete effectively later in the year.”
Coach Brad Scott’s approach in 2024, which involves giving players more autonomy, has created a positive environment at the club. Defender Jayden Laverde praised Scott for setting clear expectations while allowing the team to take ownership. “Brad has done a great job of holding us accountable and letting us buy into the team’s vision,” Laverde said.
As the season progresses and the pressure mounts, Merrett and the Bombers are committed to delivering performances that honor the faith and loyalty of their fans. With a renewed sense of purpose and a unified team, Essendon is poised to navigate the challenges ahead and strive for success.
