The rift between Essendon and its captain Zach Merrett appears at boiling point after he opted to meet with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell last week.

Three Bombers players have now come out publicly in condemnation of Merrett’s action, with multiple reports suggesting he now has his heart set on sealing a sensational move to the Hawks.

3AW host Shane McInnes now believes Essendon remains more “broken” and “fragmented” than at the height of the drugs saga over a decade ago.

Press PLAY to hear Shane’s thoughts + what Matthew Richardson and Tony Shaw make of the story 

“The Essendon right now – in my mind – appears more fragmented and broken than at the height of the supplements saga,” he said on 3AW Football.

“Why is there such a lack of belief amongst the senior players at the club?”

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