Did anyone actually think Zach Merrett would be Essendon captain in 2026?
The chances of that happening were about as likely as the Bombers breaking their 7,752-day finals drought next season.
Now it's official - Merrett has stood down as Bombers skipper via a mutual statement from the club that you can read at the bottom of this article.
Merrett's explanation for standing down is that he felt he had 'come to the decision that I'm not the right person'.
MORE: AFL SSP train-on players: List of all talent at clubs hunting AFL list spot
In reality, his position as captain of Essendon was untenable after he pushed for a trade to arguably the Bombers' greatest modern-day rival Hawthorn.
Merrett's reasoning to want to leave Essendon was to achieve success.
This means he was adamant the Bombers would be unlikely to go deep in AFL finals during the rest of his playing career - which could span around 3-6 years depending on form and injuries.
You don't want someone who believes that about your club to be captain.
Essendon 2026 captaincy options
Former no.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath is the hot favourite to be the next Essendon captain on 2026.
There is a dearth of other candidates to take over the role - with Mason Redman probably next in line.
Other 2025 leadership group members Kyle Langford and Nic Martin wouldn't be ready to take over as skipper.
Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell are contenders to be elevated into the leadership group, but it's likely to soon for the captaincy.
Essendon/Zach Merrett statement
Zach Merrett has today informed his teammates and the football club that he will step down as Essendon captain ahead of the 2026 AFL season.
Merrett was appointed the Club's 41st captain ahead of the 2023 AFL Season and led the playing group for three years, demonstrating exceptional leadership, drive and determination, during a crucial period of transformation for the club.
The six-time Crichton Medallist spoke passionately this morning about his desire to focus on his playing performance and to support the club's next group of leaders.
"It has been an absolute honour to be the 41st Captain of the Essendon Football Club. Growing up, it was a childhood dream of mine running around the backyard in Cobden, and it has been an opportunity that my family and I are very proud of," Merrett said.
"If you told younger me I would get to captain this club for three years, I would have pinched myself. It's been something I've really enjoyed and loved doing. I've really enjoyed being captain to lead so many great current and past players.
"It's been weighing on my mind around who is the best person to lead this Club and group moving forward, and I feel like I've come to the decision that I'm not the right person. There's so much optimism, excitement and energy at the club, internally and externally, with the fans, changes with the High Performance Team, our new draftees, top-end talent.
"It feels like so much excitement and optimism and newness, and being such a young group, it is a great chance for a young leader to come in and grow with all the group moving forward.
"Thank you to the club, and to Scotty for giving me the opportunity to captain the club."
Merrett continued: "We'll continue to leave no stone unturned to make sure we play in that last Saturday in September."
Essendon President Andrew Welsh thanked Merrett for his dedication and commitment as captain.
“On behalf of the Board and all Essendon members and supporters, I want to sincerely thank Zach for his immense contribution as our captain over the last three seasons," Welsh said.
"His tenure has coincided with a vital period of cultural growth for our club. His passion, elite standards, and dedication to his teammates and drive to win showcases him as one of the best on-field leaders in the AFL. This decision is an example of a selfless leader prioritising the best interests of the club moving forward.
“Zach and I have had many long discussions recently and he is absolutely all-in on our vision and can clearly see the direction we’re heading. He knows what we are building, and this decision supports that long-term goal with a focus on allowing the next wave of leaders to take control of this club. While he steps away from the captaincy, his influence on this playing group will not diminish. He remains a critical leader for us, and we know he will be integral to leading the next phase of our journey on-field.”