Essendon captain Zach Merrett speaks at the club’s best and fairest count, the Crichton Medal

Barely 24 hours after Merrett spoke at the Brownlow, incoming president Andrew Welsh declared the Bombers’ captain will remain at the club in 2026.

“Zach’s a required player, he’s contracted to the club. So we won’t be entertaining any trade for Zach,” said Welsh in an interview on the Bombers’ website.

Welsh did not touch on the Merrett drama directly when addressing the function at the start of the night at Centrepiece.

Instead, the hard-nosed former midfielder and defender who played 162 games in the red and black was intent on turning the club’s focus forward after the Bombers experienced a season devastated by an extraordinary injury count.

Welsh said the 2025 campaign would never be a “wasted season”.

“It was undoubtedly unique year with the challenges we faced, but I reflect on it as a year of growth,” Welsh said.

“I’m genuinely excited about what we’ve been able to unearth this year, and watching the development of everyone who represented our club.

“While the scoreboard didn’t always reflect our efforts, there’s no such thing as a wasted season.

“The character built, the bond strengthened, and the foundations laid in 2025 will define this football club for years to come.

“This was a year of growth, and growth is never easy, but it’s always worth it.”

Welsh, who retired in 2011, saved his boldest words until the end of his speech, when he made a rallying cry for unity.

“My message applies to everyone in this room – from our players, coaches, staff and volunteers to our members and supporters: This is our time to galvanise,” Welsh said.

“Our foundations are set, and it’s time to unite. We win together, we lose together, but we stick together, and when we stick together, we’re a formidable club.

“This is our time. This is our moment, and we’re about to embark on our greatest era. So let’s get running. Go Bombers.”

Last week Merrett also stressed that he understood that the club’s best interests come first.

“I’m never, ever going to lose the love for the club and I understand they are going to fight for the club,” Merrett said of the Bombers on Channel Nine.

Merrett is striving to win the Crichton Medal for a third straight season, and the fifth time in seven years.

More to come