Zach Merrett Claims Sixth Crichton Medal Amid Trade Uncertainty
The stage was set at Melbourne Park’s Centrepiece on Thursday night, where the Essendon Football Club gathered to crown its best and fairest player for the 2025 season. The spotlight, as it turned out, belonged to captain Zach Merrett, who walked away with his sixth Crichton Medal in front of teammates, coaches, and a passionate crowd of Bombers fans. It was a historic achievement that placed him among club royalty, trailing only Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchison—both seven-time winners—in Essendon’s long history.
But while the medal presentation was a celebration, it was also clouded by uncertainty. Merrett has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with reports that he met Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell and is considering a trade. His acceptance speech carried both gratitude and tension, as he acknowledged the challenges of the past fortnight and the weight of the decision hanging over him. “The past two weeks have certainly been difficult for me, my family, and for many people in and around the football club,” Merrett said, addressing the room with honesty. He expressed deep respect for Essendon and the fans but did not commit to staying, leaving the future of the Bombers’ captaincy open to question.
His comments, while careful, made it clear that the balance between loyalty and career direction was being wrestled with. He reminded the audience that no club should be defined by one person and that his approach to football had always been professional, thoughtful, and based on what was best for both his career and family. The audience listened intently, aware that they might be witnessing the final chapter of Merrett’s playing journey in red and black.
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Essendon coach Brad Scott was quick to praise his captain, calling him a player who embodied heart and soul. He promised Merrett his full support, regardless of what comes next, and reminded fans that the club had plenty to build on heading into the next season. “You’ll always have my full support,” Scott told him, a sentiment echoed by many around the room.
Incoming president Andrew Welsh also struck a rallying tone. Without directly addressing Merrett’s situation, he urged the club and its fans to stick together through challenges, describing 2025 as a year of growth despite a tough run with injuries. Welsh’s words—“we win together, we lose together, but we stick together”—felt aimed at keeping spirits high in the face of the uncertainty surrounding their captain.
As for the Crichton Medal count itself, it was a reminder of Merrett’s brilliance. He finished on top with 217 votes, followed by breakout youngster Archie Roberts with 186, and Sam Durham in third on 175. Roberts was also recognised as the most improved and the club’s rising star, marking him as a key piece of Essendon’s future.
Merrett’s sixth medal elevates him above club legend James Hird, who won five, and cements his status as one of the greatest midfielders to ever wear the sash. Yet the irony was impossible to ignore: just as he etched his name deeper into Essendon history, he stood at the edge of possibly walking away. For Bombers fans, it was a night of pride mixed with apprehension, a celebration shadowed by the unknown.
What happens next will shape not only Merrett’s legacy, but also the direction of Essendon as it looks ahead to 2026.
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