‘Anger, sadness’: Another ‘disheartened’ Bombers leader responds to Merrett trade turmoil

Andrew McGrath has become the latest Essendon player to speak out in response to Zach Merrett considering departing the club.

The former no.1 draft pick meantime expressed confidence that wantaway defender Jordan Ridley would remain at the Bombers despite reportedly meeting with a rival club.

McGrath, who is set to meet in person with Merrett on Monday to gain a fuller understanding of his situation, became the latest to explain his stance after Mason Redman and Nic Martin previously voiced their thoughts. All three are in the club’s leadership group.

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Contracted club captain Merrett, who will reportedly proceed with plans to join Hawthorn after 12 seasons at Tullamarine for no finals wins, recently met with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell and football boss Rob McCartney.

“There’s mixed emotions. There’s disappointment, there’s a little bit of anger, there’s sadness,” McGrath told Channel Seven on Sunday in response.

“He’s obviously a superstar player for us, so to hear there’s a bit of instability around his future and the footy club is always disheartening.

“I’ve spoken to both of them (Merrett and Ridley) this morning (Sunday). Zach and I will catch up (on Monday), so we’ll talk about everything and understand a bit about the situation and what’s going on.

“Our conversation this morning, he wanted to give me a little bit of space while I was away (overseas on holiday), and I really respected that.”

There are now genuine doubts over whether Merrett will make an appearance at Essendon’s upcoming best-and-fairest function, with the five-time Crichton medallist every chance of claiming his sixth gong.

“We hope Zach attends — I think he’s a clear favourite to win the night; he’s had a fantastic year, and we have a lot to celebrate,” McGrath added.

Probed about his chat with Merrett after Hawthorn’s semi-final win over Adelaide, Mitchell was unapologetic about his ongoing duty to make his club better.

“I’m not going to get into any details, but … I couldn’t have prepared any better for this game is what I would say,” he said in his post-match press conference last Friday night.

“My job is to win as many games as I possibly can as the coach of this club and to improve this club in any way I see fit so I will continue to do that.”

As for Ridley, the luckless intercept defender is reportedly seeking a trade to Brisbane this off-season amid frustrations over persistent injuries.

But McGrath is firm in his belief that the 26-year-old, who is contracted at Essendon for four more seasons, isn’t going anywhere.

“‘Rids’ has had a tough few years; everyone’s heard about it, everyone’s spoken about it. But I think he just wants to get his body right,” said McGrath, who is Ridley’s business partner and former housemate.

“I think (he’ll) be with us. I guess you guys will hold me to that, but I’m a firm believer that he’ll be in the red and black next year.”

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