Buckley Lyon and Davis unpack Zach Merrett’s Dons future amid yet another rebuild in 2025.
Buckley, Lyon, and Davis Unpack Zach Merrett’s Dons Future Amid Yet Another Rebuild.
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In the world of Australian rules football, few teams have experienced as many highs and lows as the Essendon Football Club. With a rich history that includes premierships, iconic players, and periods of dominance, the Bombers have long been one of the most storied clubs in the AFL. However, the modern era has been marked by a series of disappointing performances, near misses, and, most notably, the club’s continued struggles in finding sustained success. Now, as the team enters yet another rebuild, all eyes are on their key players—none more so than star midfielder Zach Merrett.
Merrett, a player who has firmly established himself as one of the most consistent and talented footballers in the league, has become the focal point of a club in transition. His leadership, skill, and work ethic have made him one of the best in his position, but with the Bombers entering yet another rebuild, questions loom over his future at the club. Will Merrett remain loyal to Essendon throughout this challenging phase, or will he seek opportunities elsewhere in search of success? In this article, we examine the perspectives of three experts—Nathan Buckley, Ross Lyon, and David Davis—who each unpack Merrett’s future amid Essendon’s ongoing rebuild.
1. Zach Merrett’s Career to Date: A Star in a Tumultuous Era Buckley Lyon
Before diving into the perspectives of the experts, it’s important to understand where Merrett stands in his career and the context in which Essendon finds itself.
Merrett debuted for Essendon in 2014, and from the very beginning, it was clear that the young midfielder was a special talent. A standout in his early years, he quickly became one of the Bombers’ most important players. His ability to find the ball, win clearances, and use it efficiently made him one of the most effective midfielders in the competition. Over the years, Merrett has become an integral part of Essendon’s leadership group, earning the captaincy in 2021 after the club’s tumultuous period following the infamous drug scandal and several seasons of poor form.
Despite the off-field distractions, Merrett has continued to deliver on-field. His work rate, skill level, and ability to step up in key moments have endeared him to fans, and his form has been a rare constant in a club otherwise in flux. Over the past few years, though, Essendon’s performance has been inconsistent at best, and the team has struggled to make any meaningful progress in the AFL ladder. As a result, many have questioned whether Merrett’s prime years will be wasted in a rebuilding phase, prompting discussions about his future at the club.
2. Nathan Buckley’s Perspective: The Player’s Desire for Success Buckley Lyon
Nathan Buckley, the former Collingwood coach and current football analyst, offers a keen insight into how Merrett might approach his future in the AFL. Buckley, who is no stranger to playing through challenging rebuilds himself, believes that Merrett is at a crossroads in his career. Having established himself as one of the league’s top players, Buckley suggests that Merrett’s priority at this stage might shift toward securing success and a premiership, something that may be difficult to achieve with Essendon in its current state.
“Zach Merrett is one of the premier midfielders in the AFL, and that’s been the case for some time,” Buckley says. “He’s a fantastic player, but the question is: does he want to spend his entire career playing for a club that isn’t quite getting it right? It’s tough when you’re in his position because you’ve been at a club for so long, you have the loyalty to it, but at some point, players need to think about their legacy and whether they’re going to have the opportunity to win the ultimate prize—a premiership.”
Buckley acknowledges that while Essendon has made strides in recent years, they are still a long way off from being a true premiership contender. The club is currently undergoing another rebuild, having missed the finals consistently over the past decade. Buckley believes that with Merrett now at the peak of his career, he might be looking at other clubs that offer a better chance at finals football, let alone a flag.
“I think the big question for Zach will come down to whether he believes in the club’s direction,” Buckley continues. “He’s seen a lot of change, a lot of uncertainty, and a lot of frustrations with this Essendon group. He’s such a competitive player, and he’ll want to be part of something that is genuinely capable of winning a premiership. Whether Essendon can provide that in the next two to three years will be a crucial factor in his decision.”
In this sense, Buckley suggests that Merrett could consider exploring opportunities at clubs that are further along in their competitive cycle. If a team like Richmond, Geelong, or even Melbourne were to show interest in acquiring Merrett, the pull of a premiership window might be too strong for him to ignore.
3. Ross Lyon’s Perspective: Loyalty vs. the Rebuild Process Buckley Lyon
Ross Lyon, the highly experienced coach with stints at Fremantle and St Kilda, brings a slightly different perspective to the conversation. Lyon, known for his pragmatic and sometimes ruthless approach to rebuilding clubs, believes that loyalty to the club’s process is something that should be weighed heavily in Merrett’s decision-making.
“Merrett is a terrific leader, and his commitment to Essendon has been impressive,” Lyon begins. “But when you go through a rebuild like this, it’s not just about the next year or two—it’s about the longer-term vision. Essendon will want to bring in young players and build a team that can challenge in three to five years, and players like Merrett will be critical in that process.”
Lyon suggests that Merrett’s leadership could be an asset to Essendon as they move through their rebuilding phase. His ability to guide younger players and set standards around professionalism, discipline, and work ethic could help accelerate the development of the next generation of Bombers. However, Lyon is also conscious of the fact that Merrett is not getting any younger and that his prime years are finite.
“Rebuilds aren’t for everyone,” Lyon adds. “Some players have the patience and resilience to stick it out, others want to be in a competitive environment straight away. It depends on what Merrett values most. If he feels a strong sense of loyalty to Essendon and believes in the club’s long-term vision, he might be prepared to ride out the tough years and be a key part of their resurgence. But if his primary goal is to win a premiership, he might need to consider options that put him in a more immediate contender’s window.”
Lyon notes that loyalty can be a powerful force, and in some cases, it can drive players to stay at clubs where they can be part of something bigger than themselves. He points to players like Joel Selwood at Geelong, who stuck with the Cats through their own rebuild, eventually reaping the rewards. Lyon believes that if Merrett decides to stay, he could be one of the central figures in Essendon’s next era.
4. David Davis’ Perspective: The Strategic Move Buckley Lyon
David Davis, a former player and current football commentator, provides an intriguing take on Merrett’s situation from a strategic perspective. Davis believes that while loyalty is undoubtedly important, Merrett needs to carefully weigh his options in terms of what is best for his career, both on and off the field.
“Merrett is in a unique position because he’s at a club with a passionate fan base, a lot of potential, but also a club that’s been stuck in a cycle of rebuilding for years,” Davis explains. “From a career standpoint, the best move for Zach might be to ensure that his prime years aren’t wasted in a situation where success is too far away.”
Davis points out that Merrett is coming off a string of excellent individual seasons, earning All-Australian selection and solidifying himself as one of the league’s best midfielders. However, without consistent team success, Davis believes that Merrett’s career could risk becoming defined by a series of missed opportunities rather than flags and finals appearances.
“Merrett might love Essendon, but he has to look at the reality of the situation,” Davis adds. “It’s no secret that the club is not close to competing for a premiership in the short term, and while loyalty is important, so too is the opportunity to build your legacy as a player who won flags. Essendon’s long-term prospects will need to be compelling enough for Merrett to commit to staying—otherwise, he might look at his options, particularly if a club like Richmond, Melbourne, or Collingwood expresses interest.”
Davis suggests that the pressure to win immediately might push Merrett toward a decision that benefits both his personal career and his future as a player. In some ways, Davis believes Merrett might even serve as a catalyst for Essendon’s rebuilding efforts, helping guide the club toward success. However, if the club cannot guarantee meaningful progress soon, Davis believes Merrett’s future lies elsewhere.
5. Conclusion: The Ultimate Decision Buckley Lyon
In the end, Zach Merrett faces one of the most important decisions of his career. The Essendon Football Club is currently in the midst of yet another rebuild, and while the future looks promising, it remains uncertain. Merrett’s individual success has been undeniable, but as a leader and a competitor, the prospect of playing for a team with no immediate hope of challenging for a premiership may push him to consider other options.
Buckley, Lyon, and Davis all agree that Merrett’s decision will come down to a combination of loyalty, personal ambition, and the club’s direction. If Essendon can provide a compelling vision for the future and demonstrate tangible progress, Merrett may be willing to stay and guide the team through its rebuilding phase. However, if Merrett feels that his prime years are best spent at a club with immediate premiership potential, he may look for greener pastures.
Ultimately, Merrett’s future at Essendon will be shaped by both his commitment to the club and his desire for success, two forces that will determine whether he remains a Bomber or seeks pastures new. Whatever decision he makes, it will be one of the most pivotal moments in the career of one of the AFL’s brightest stars.
