Zach Merrett’s reputation to take ‘significant hit’ after bombshell Hawthorn meeting

Essendon captain Zach Merrett’s reputation is set to take a “significant hit” as he weighs up his future at the club.

It emerged on Wednesday that Merrett met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, just days before the Hawks’ semi-final clash against Adelaide.

The Age’s Pete Ryan said he struggled to see how Merrett – who remains contracted until 2027 – could hold onto the Essendon captaincy if he stays at the club.

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“It’s a terrible situation for Zach Merrett to be in,” he said on Wide World of Sports.

“I can imagine the frustration and turmoil he’s going through, but he’s going to take a significant hit to his reputation regardless of how this plays out.”

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