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How to tune into Sport NationDons B&F: Merrett addresses future after winning 6th Crichton
Andrew Slevison • October 3rd, 2025 10:07 am
Essendon captain Zach Merrett has won a sixth Crichton Medal as the club’s best and fairest player for 2025.
The Bombers star moved into third place for all-time Dons B&F winners and now sits behind Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchison who both won seven.
After accepting the award he addressed his future after recently meeting with Hawthorn despite being contracted until the end of 2027.
“The dialogue between myself and the club’s leaders has been extremely open and very clear both ways throughout the last few weeks,” said Merrett.
“I want to thank Andrew Welsh for his support recently and want to congratulate him on his presidency. I know he will lead this club with integrity and strong values.
“The past few weeks have certainly been difficult for me, my family and many people in and around the Essendon Football Club. I respect the club’s position regarding their desire to retain me and fully understand what it means to be a contracted player and captain.
“I acknowledge that there are complexities and uncertainty right now and regardless of the external noise and pressure, I’m willing and committed to continue working with the club - and will, with the help of those closest to me, work through those factors at play.
“I don’t have control over what others say or do but from my perspective I will always show care and consideration for the fans, my teammates, coaches and the club even if we disagree on some things.
“That’s my commitment and it will not waver.
“What I can say categorically is my approach to football has always been the same. That is to stay ultra professional, gather the right information from people I trust and make the best possible decisions for my career and family.
“No club should be defined by one person and Essendon is no different. It’s the sum of all parts that makes a club what it is.”
Merrett polled 217 votes to comfortably beat 19-year-old Archie Roberts (186) with Sam Durham (175) in third.
Vice-captain Andrew McGrath (171) and Nic Martin (1126) rounded out the top five.
Merrett also won the player-voted McCracken Medal as the Bomber who best embodies the club’s values.
Other award winners on the night included Roberts who was named Most Improved Player and the Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star, while Durham was named the Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player and McGrath who was named the Bruce Heymanson Best Clubman.
Crichton Medal - 2025
1 - Zach Merrett (217 votes)2 - Archie Roberts (186)3 - Sam Durham (175)4 - Andrew McGrath (171)5 - Nic Martin (116)6 - Mason Redman (114)7 - Xavier Duursma (111)8 - Jye Caldwell (101)9 - Jaxon Prior (95)10 - Peter Wright (91)
Other awards
Most Improved Player: Archie RobertsLindsay Griffiths Rising Star: Archie RobertsAdam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player: Sam DurhamMatthew Lloyd Leading Goalkicker: Peter WrightBruce Heymanson Best Clubman: Andrew McGrathJohn Kilby Staff and Trainers Award: Andrew McGrathMcCracken Medal: Zach Merrett
