Ex-Essendon Coach Brad Scott Reveals He Wanted Zach Merrett Traded

Former Essendon coach Brad Scott has dropped a bombshell, revealing he wanted the club to trade star midfielder Zach Merrett to Hawthorn last summer. This shocking admission comes after Scott was sacked by Essendon, with the decision reportedly due to the club's poor form. The club's form hadn't improved, and it's clear that Scott's sacking was a result of this.

Scott's desire to trade Merrett was driven by the player's frustration with the club's lack of progress. Merrett had been promised improvements, but these promises weren't fulfilled, leading to his disillusionment. Scott believed that allowing Merrett to leave would be beneficial for both the player and the club. He thought it would give Merrett a fresh start, and the club could rebuild.

The situation is complicated by the fact that Essendon turned down an offer from Hawthorn to trade Merrett last summer. This decision has sparked debate, with some questioning whether the club made the right call. They're wondering if they should've taken the offer and used the resources to strengthen the team.

In another stunning revelation, Scott confirmed that Essendon considered offering a massive 10-year, $22 million contract to West Coast star Harley Reid. This move would've required significant resources, potentially at the expense of other young players. Scott acknowledged that every club was interested in Reid, but he didn't think Essendon was ready for a 'one-player solution'. He thought they needed a more balanced approach.

'I didn't think he was being selfish. He had been promised things over and over again, and he was at his wits' end,' Scott said. Scott's comment sheds light on Merrett's situation, and it's clear that he wasn't happy with the club.

The decision to sack Scott has sparked a reaction from former Essendon coach James Hird, who has expressed interest in returning to the role. Hird stated that if he's the best man for the job, he'd love to take on the challenge. He's keen to get back into coaching, and he thinks he could make a difference at Essendon.

Essendon president Andrew Welsh has emphasized that the club won't be pushed around, despite their current struggles. Welsh also confirmed that the club expects Merrett to see out his contract, which expires at the end of 2027. They're counting on him to stay and help the team improve.

As the situation unfolds, it's unclear how Essendon will navigate their current challenges. The club's future is uncertain, with many questions surrounding the coaching position and player contracts. They're facing a tough road ahead, and they'll need to make some tough decisions.

The news has sent shockwaves through the Australian football community, with many fans and pundits weighing in on the situation. The story's still developing, and it's clear that the future of Essendon is far from certain. The club's fans are waiting anxiously to see what happens next, and they're hoping for a positive outcome.