Former Essendon captain Zach Merrett has responded to recent scrutiny after the club’s first win in 17 games, prevailing by 45 points over Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval.

A lot has been said about Merrett and his role at the club after a tumultuous off-season, with his wife in the headlines after a social media post at Gimlet last week.

“I understand the footy ecosystem likes to talk,” Merrett said on 3AW Football.

Press PLAY to hear him respond to recent scrutiny (and how his leadership role has changed at the club)

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