It's been a busy first day on the job for Andrew Welsh, with the ex-Bomber and now new Essendon president publicly commenting on the Zach Merrett situation for the first time.
After more than three years as president, David Bahram stepped down on Tuesday morning, leaving the position vacant for Welsh, who had served as vice-president since 2024.
The former 163-game Bomber assumes the role at a chaotic time in the club's history, with Essendon's captain Zach Merrett currently exploring the potential for a trade away from Windy Hill, likely to Hawthorn.
In his first public media appearance, Welsh told Footy Classified that Merrett will remain at Essendon.
MORE: Zach Merrett opens up on Essendon trade tension at Brownlow night
"He's thinking through what is best for Zach into the future, but I can say he's playing at Essendon," Welsh said Tuesday night.
"And I hear 'Well, he's made this call, it's not recoverable.' Football clubs are amazing places of forgiveness and embracement.
"I can guarantee you day one of pre-season with Zach, that things will be resolved, and he will be the very best footballer, [and] the very best champion player that he's been for the club, and will continue to be."
Welsh also said the club will not be rebuilding.
"I'm not convinced of a rebuild," he said of the club's direction.
"We've got some high-quality young players that we've been able to draft in. We're building capacity within our salary cap to target some high A-grade players, but also make sure that we're bringing in multiple A-grade players."
A fortnight ago, it was revealed Merrett had met with Hawks' coach Sam Mitchell, triggering a firestorm of rumours.
It's believed a lack of team success is to be at the core of Merrett assessing his future.
The Bombers finished the season in 15th place, ending 2025 on a 13-game losing streak.