Essendon coach Brad Scott has rejected claims of a relationship breakdown with Zach Merrett, insisting the pair remained on good terms during last year’s trade speculation. Scott addressed the issue on Monday night as the Bombers prepare to face Hawthorn in Round 1 of the 2026 AFL season at the MCG, a match that carries extra attention after Merrett attempted to join the Hawks during the October trade period.
The five time Crichton medallist also stepped down as Essendon captain during the offseason. According to Scott, the change has freed the star midfielder to focus purely on his football.
The Friday night clash between Essendon and Hawthorn will be the first meeting between the clubs since the trade drama became public.
Scott Rejects Claims of Coach Player Rift
Scott said the suggestion that he and Merrett had fallen out was inaccurate. Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360, the Bombers coach explained that their relationship remained solid through a difficult period for the club.
“It was obviously a difficult period for everyone. People don’t believe you, but the narrative of ‘there must have been some sort of breakdown between the player and coach’ that never happened,” Scott said.
“He and I have always had a good relationship. Zach has, in a lot of ways, carried our club through a really difficult period.”
Essendon struggled through parts of the previous season, and Merrett often shouldered heavy leadership responsibilities as captain.
Scott admitted he underestimated how much the role was affecting the midfielder.
“What I probably missed last year is that because he is so good at compartmentalising and focusing on what he needs to, it was probably weighing on him more than I realised,” he said. Want more AFL breaking news, match previews, and player updates?
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Merrett Relinquishes Captaincy Before 2026 Season
Merrett stepped down as Essendon captain earlier in the offseason, a decision Scott said was reached quickly between the player and the club.
Scott revealed that Merrett approached the leadership group directly about stepping aside.
“It wasn’t even a discussion, because he came straight in and said ‘this is what’s best for me, and it’s what’s best for the club,’” Scott said.
The Bombers coach believes removing the leadership pressure will allow Merrett to return to his most influential form in the midfield.
“And we’re going to see a Zach Merrett that has had that burden released and the shackles are off for him,” Scott said.
“I said, ‘mate, unashamedly, you need to focus on yourself and just focus on being the best player you can be.’”
Merrett remains a central figure at the club and Scott described him as an on field cultural leader despite no longer wearing the captain’s armband.
Essendon vs Hawthorn Adds Extra Spice to Round 1
The Bombers open their 2026 campaign against Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night, a fixture that already carries a strong rivalry between the two clubs.
Merrett’s attempted move to the Hawks last October has added another layer of tension to the matchup.
Scott acknowledged that the storyline adds interest to the game but said the focus remains on performance.
“The rivalry’s real, no doubt. Does it add spice? Probably,” Scott said.
The Bombers coach also referenced Essendon’s attempt to lure Hawthorn defender Josh Weddle with a major contract offer before the young Hawk re signed with his club.
“That’s the way things work. When you throw a punch, expect one to come back your way pretty quickly, especially at our club,” Scott said. For more details and full interview comments from Brad Scott, read the full report from Fox Sports AFL coverage.
Bombers Expect Strong Response From Star Midfielder
Merrett has reportedly been one of Essendon’s best performers throughout preseason training.
Scott said the midfielder thrives in high pressure games and expects him to be ready for the Round 1 contest.
“Everything has unfolded the way we expected. He’s come in and been our best trainer in the pre season, which is no surprise,” Scott said.
From a tactical perspective, Merrett’s role in the centre square remains key to Essendon’s midfield structure. His ability to win clearances and distribute the ball efficiently often sets the tempo for the Bombers.
With leadership now shared among emerging players such as Andy McGrath, Essendon hopes the shift will allow both Merrett and the younger core to grow into new roles.
As the opening bounce approaches at the MCG, attention will naturally fall on Merrett and how he performs against the club he nearly joined only a few months ago.
