Essendon great James Hird has called for an end to the “rubbish” rumours about disgruntled Bombers captain Zach Merrett and believes the situation is still salvageable for both player and club.
Hird, a former coach and one of the greatest players to don the sash, has expressed his disappointment at some of the stories that have emerged questioning Merrett’s character since revelations the captain had met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell about a move to the Hawks.
Teammates Nic Martin and Mason Redman have both spoken of their hurt at learning their skipper no longer wanted to stay at the Hangar because of a lack of belief in the club’s direction.
“I would love to see Zach and the club make up and go back together,” Hird said on Nine’s Footy Classified program.
“What is disappointing, though, is what has come out – the negative stuff that’s come out about Zach. I’ve coached the guy. He’s a wonderful person, a person of high integrity who has worked his backside off. He’s the hardest worker I’ve coached at any level.
“Some of the stuff that’s come out negatively, some of the rubbish, the club and he have to come together so that it doesn’t come out again because it’s not good for either party.”
Bombers captain Zach Merrett has met with Hawthorn.Credit: Getty Images
Despite the straining of relationships over the past week between the captain and his teammates and the club, Hird called for the Bombers to retain Merrett.
“If I was Essendon and at Essendon now, I’d be still reaching out and trying to bring him in. He’s an Essendon person. I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. In terms of Brad Scott, he’s got another two years on his contract, and [president] David Barham has backed him all the way.
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