Dean Solomon, the caretaker coach of Essendon, has rejected claims that Zach Merrett has mentally checked out of the club.
Solomon made the comments during a training session at Windy Hill, the Bombers' historic home ground, which they returned to on Wednesday for a light session.
Merrett, a six-time best and fairest winner, has been linked with a trade to Hawthorn and Geelong, with the latter's coach Chris Scott reportedly having contacted him.
Solomon said that despite speculation about Merrett's future, he remains committed to the club.
“There’s not one part of Zach internally that suggests that he has checked out at all. He is heavily invested,” Solomon said.
Solomon, a 2000 premiership player with the Bombers, was in an upbeat mood when discussing what Windy Hill meant to him and the club.
Merrett last month confirmed he would not make a call on his future until the end of the season.
However, his recent form, which included just 11 disposals in a heavy loss to the Brisbane Lions last weekend, has raised concerns about his ability to lead the team.
Solomon said he had no idea whether Merrett would be at the club next season.
“I hope so. I honestly have no information or insight to what the future holds for Zach – what he wants to do,” Solomon said.
The Bombers have struggled this season, losing their six games by an average margin of 41.8 points since Solomon took over as caretaker coach.
Despite the speculation about Merrett's future, Solomon remains positive about the team's prospects.
As the Bombers continue to search for a new coach, with club great and former coach James Hird meeting with the club on Tuesday, Solomon remains committed to the role.
The Crows' defender Josh Worrell has been reported for aggravated driving without due care and failing to present to police within 90 minutes of a car crash last Friday.
Worrell, 25, struck a pedestrian in the incident and took the injured person to hospital.
He played in the Crows' thumping 79-point win over Gold Coast the following evening and reported the matter to police on Friday afternoon.
“Following investigations, the 25-year-old driver was reported for aggravated driving without due care and failing to present to police within 90 minutes after a collision which resulted in injury,” SA Police said.
He will be summoned to appear in court at a later date.
The Crows have been contacted for comment and released a statement on Wednesday.
"The Adelaide Football Club is aware of one of its players being reported by South Australia Police for aggravated driving without due care and failing to present to police within 90 minutes after a collision which resulted in injury,” the statement said.
“It follows the player being involved in a traffic accident last Friday morning. Given the matter is now subject to legal proceedings, the club is not in a position to provide any further detail."
The Crows said board member Grant Stevens, the SA Police Commissioner, was not involved in the club's handling of the matter.
“The club adheres to clear and strict governance procedures to manage conflicts or perceived conflicts of interest” Crows chair John Olsen said.
Crows coach Matthew Nicks spoke about the incident on Tuesday.
“It’s been a pretty challenging few days for Josh, he’s working through a tough time,” Nicks said.
And the Bombers are expected to name a number of players for selection, including Jordan Ridley and Kyle Langford, who both played in the club's last game.
Solomon said that the pair were pushing for a return to the team.
‘They want to get back in and help the team,” Solomon said.
The Bombers, who have been left reeling after their sixth consecutive loss, are looking to get back on track.
But with Merrett's future still up in the air, the question on everyone's mind is, will he be there to lead the team?
Solomon said that despite the speculation, Merrett remains committed to the club.
But with his future still uncertain, it's hard not to wonder what will happen next.
Merrett, who is contracted until the end of 2027, is expected to make a decision on his future at the end of the season.
The Hawthorn, who were linked with Merrett last year, are considered frontrunners to sign him if he decides to leave the Bombers.
Solomon said that he had no idea what the future holds for Merrett.
“I hope so. I honestly have no information or insight to what the future holds for Zach – what he wants to do,” Solomon said.
The Bombers have struggled this season, but with Merrett back on the pitch, they may have a chance to turn their season around.
But for now, it remains to be seen whether Merrett will be a part of the Bombers next season.
The club has been working hard to turn their season around, but it's clear that they still have a long way to go.
Solomon said that the players are committed to the club and are working hard to get back on track.
But with the speculation surrounding Merrett's future, it's hard not to wonder what will happen next.
The Bombers are expected to name a number of players for selection, including Jordan Ridley and Kyle Langford.
Solomon said that the pair were pushing for a return to the team.
‘They want to get back in and help the team,” Solomon said.
The Bombers are looking to get back on track after their sixth consecutive loss.
But with Merrett's future still uncertain, it's hard not to wonder what will happen next.
The Bombers have struggled this season, but with Merrett back on the pitch, they may have a chance to turn their season around.