Sports - AFL
Merrett quits Bombers captaincy Mooney bets on comeback season
Cam Mooney says a seven-time best-and-fairest berth is on the cards for Zach Merrett and if Essendon stay healthy, finals contention is back on.
Zach Merrett has stepped down as captain of the Essendon Football Club ahead of the 2026 season, after a failed trade attempt to Hawthorn.
He informed teammates and the club that although captaining the side had been an honour, he no longer felt he was the right person to lead going forward.
Merrett, a six-time club best-and-fairest winner and three-time All-Australian, has played 251 games for the Bombers since debuting in 2014.
Despite his elite midfield output, Essendon have not won a final since 2004, and he has not experienced a finals victory in his career.
Many fans reacted with disappointment to his efforts to leave the club in 2025. But former AFL player Cam Mooney believes Merrett can win them back and says a seventh club best-and-fairest could be on the cards if he stays focused. Mooney suggested there may still be boos, but insisted Merrett's football will do the talking.
Mooney also thinks the club likely led by vice-captain Andrew McGrath in 2026 could challenge for finals next year, especially if they avoid another injury-ridden campaign like 2025.
Merrett has returned to pre-season training, committed to giving his all. He said there is renewed optimism at the club and vowed that the playing group will "leave no stone unturned" as they aim for a finals berth in 2026.
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