AFL Player 7: Indefatigable Zach Merrett - Stepping down as captain for 2026

[jannissary]

how brave from our #formerglorious leader

 

[Lore]

Best decision he’s made in weeks

 

[DallasCrane316]

Best decision he’s made in weeks

Honestly, I think after his media comments about being open to captain the team again, the club had a word with him.

Looks better to make the choice to step down rather than have the players vote to remove the captaincy from you.

 

[thepokey]

I'm the same as others - all the puff pieces had me thinking he was trying to save a bit of face to keep the captaincy. I'm glad he made the decision himself rather than have to be tapped on the shoulder. And done before Christmas break - hopefully to give the whole group and coaches a good chance to really assess leadership options over the summer. Even though it's probably Pidge

 

[Call Me Cake]

Caldwell a smokey.

 

[boncer34]

I'm the same as others - all the puff pieces had me thinking he was trying to save a bit of face to keep the captaincy. I'm glad he made the decision himself rather than have to be tapped on the shoulder. And done before Christmas break - hopefully to give the whole group and coaches a good chance to really assess leadership options over the summer. Even though it's probably Pidge

 

[Doss]

Obviously had to happen.

 

[bommer16]

Given the way it played out it this was inevitable. As Capt he carried us on many occasions but 3 years is long enough. Ready for a new look EFC.

 

[thepokey]

View attachment 2485740

The sad part is I could actually imagine Brad wanting him to stay on as captain

 

[Runk]

The sad part is I could actually imagine Brad wanting him to stay on as captain

Really? I can't imagine for one second Brad would've wanted that.

 

[dank420_]

The sad part is I could actually imagine Brad wanting him to stay on as captain

yeah his looks like a Welshy move

 

[Howard Moon]

Pretty sure his mentor Sam Bitchell also 'stepped down' from captaincy after 3 years - just another similarly he can use in negotiations

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

Wise move Zachary.

Time we get a genuine leader to lead this club.

 

[Old Campaigner]

Honestly, I think after his media comments about being open to captain the team again, the club had a word with him.

Looks better to make the choice to step down rather than have the players vote to remove the captaincy from you.

I read it as him being non-committal about it and not really wanting to discuss it in the interview. Which is fair enough. It's the sort of thing you want announced via a prepared statement, not in front of a bunch of media hacks chasing the next hot take.

Obviously there was no way he could remain as skipper so this is just the least messy way of dealing with it. No mention of how he previously implied he didn't rate the youth, just that he wants to focus on his own game, time for someone else to have the opportunity etc etc

 

[thepokey]

Really? I can't imagine for one second Brad would've wanted that.

When the whole thing was kicking off he and he was asked about it he was very reluctant to even hint at life without Merrett as captain. He had to stay somewhat diplomatic on the surface sure, but it was around the time of the "gloves are off" comment and seemed like he'd have been fine with it.

 

[Runk]

When the whole thing was kicking off he and he was asked about it he was very reluctant to even hint at life without Merrett as captain. He had to stay somewhat diplomatic on the surface sure, but it was around the time of the "gloves are off" comment and seemed like he'd have been fine with it.

Sometimes I'd simply love to be a fly on the wall at the club

 

[Bunk Moreland]

The humiliation is just about complete. Merrett will absolutely feel this, he’s a keen student of football and club history and his place in it.

It’s basically all come crashing down as a result of him putting his trust in his manager and Hawthorn to do the right thing by him.

 

[King Patty]

For Brad Scott it truly is a Anakin Skywalker moment.
He didn't want to believe it was true / possible.
Where Merrett Turns to the Dark side.

 

[Maxabillions]

For Brad Scott it truly is a Anakin Skywalker moment.
He didn't want to believe it was true / possible.
Where Merrett Turns to the Dark side.

Good one Lolthorn, he’s not gonna be such a good kick with no legs

 

[VelvetSledge]

"You did this to yourself"

 

[Bunk Moreland]

His speech is interesting and just another example of how pervasive PR bullshit is in the corporate and sporting worlds.

PR garbage is used even when it's not required.

All this talk about a young group and needing a young leader etc... such obvious bullshit.

Everybody knows exactly why he's stepping down. There's no secret. He even touches on it a bit when he says he doesn't want to be a distraction.

It should have simply been about how obviously it's not appropriate for me to continue as captain after the off-season so i'll be stepping down. It's disappointing but it's the right move for the club and I'll be working as hard as ever to contribute.

That's it. He wouldn't cop any heat for that - in fact he'd praised for honesty. No need to make things up about a young group etc.

Football clubs (and most organisations) always feel the need to try to obscure something that isn't a secret at all.

 

[Zach Package]

The tail was wagging the dog, but now the tail has had to get up infront of everyone with it's tail between it's legs, quite sheepish.

5th dimensional metaphor cube

 

[Howard Moon]

He's almost talking like he's already removed from the situation , in a different tense.. you guys have all this ahead of you, you deserve a leader who can take you there

Hes either fully checked out, or he legit thinks he's so old he won't be there for any success they might have

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

The tail was wagging the dog, but now the tail has had to get up infront of everyone with it's tail between it's legs, quite sheepish.

5th dimensional metaphor cube

 

[Kyptastic]