Essendon are staring down one of their most turbulent trade periods in years, with Jordan Ridley, Sam Draper and even captain Zach Merrett linked to exits.
For a side already languishing near the bottom of the ladder, the possibility of losing its most experienced core has raised alarm among supporters and past players alike.
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Ridley is understood to be unsettled by Essendon’s medical department, while Draper is reportedly weighing up interstate offers. But it is Merrett’s disillusionment, revealed on Footy Classified by Damian Barrett, that has struck the deepest chord.
‘If that falls…’
Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Watson did not hide his concern.
“On that point, can I just say this about Zach Merrett; there’s more than just losing a player here. From Essendon’s perspective, I don’t see this as the same as the Charlie Curnow situation because it’s a philosophical thing that you’re dealing with here, too, and that is that you’ve got your leader, your captain.
“If that falls, if you allowed that bloke to walk out of your club, what is that saying to the rest of your playing group? That is the most damning statement on your club possible.”
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Watson added that murmurs about Merrett’s unrest “do not just get plucked out of thin air” and urged Essendon to look inward as its senior core falters. “These players are out or they’re disgruntled for reasons,” he said.
With Draper “out the door”, Ridley eyeing greener pastures and Merrett considering his future, Watson believes the Bombers must ask hard questions: “What is it about us… that we need to fix?”