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How to tune into Sport NationWatson urges Merrett to publicly address Essendon exit talk
SEN • September 10th, 2025 10:47 am
Essendon great Tim Watson has called on Zach Merrett to come out and announce what he wants to do.
Speculation continues to swirl around the Bombers captain who is reportedly weighing up offers from rival clubs as he ponders his future in the red and black.
It was reported by Tom Morris on Tuesday that the club’s board has decided unanimously that Merrett will not be traded under any circumstances.
And according to former Dons skipper Watson, it’s time for the payer to follow suit.
“I think this whole thing can be put to bed within the next 24 hours,” Watson said on SEN Breakfast.
“But if we do not hear from Zach Merrett within the next 24 hours, I think he needs to come out, alongside the club, and say, ‘This is what I want to do, I want to stay at Essendon’.”
Co-host Garry Lyon interjected: “Which he’s said all year. He’s said over and over and over all year, ‘I am in for the long haul’.”
Watson continued: “Ok, but then there’s been a lot of conversation that’s gone on since then.
“I think now is the time to put up or shut up. We need to hear from him.”
Lyon wondered if the talk surrounding Merrett is real.
He asked: “Do you think the conversation is real though?
“I’m saying to you that Zach, on multiple times through the course of the year, said I’m staying the course, I’m staying the course, I’m staying the course.
“But do you think that’s real? Do you think he is exploring the possibility of him getting out?”
Watson does believe it to be true, otherwise it wouldn’t have gone as far as talks with his manager Tom Petroro.
“I think it has to be. There’s been enough conversation around it that it has come from somewhere,” he said further.
“The fact that they contacted his manager after the board meeting and said, ‘Look, this is what we have decided unanimously - he’s not going anywhere’.
“I think the club has taken it as a real thing, a real threat and a real concern.
“That’s the next play, isn’t it? If he doesn’t come out and say something now and make a statement, then what do you think?”
Lyon added: “I think it’s on and they’re going to continue to explore.”
Watson concluded: “You still think it’s open.
“He has now got the power to close it all down once and for all.”
