In the midst of a challenging run for the Bombers, its skipper Zach Merrett couldn’t be more buoyed by the strategy and plan of the Club moving forward.
The Captain has maintained his usual elite form in a season where the Club has been forced to adapt and evolve through injury setbacks and unique circumstances, including the appearances of an equal-record 13 debutants for the year.
Contracted for at least another two years, it’s the promise of that young talent and the clarity he’s seen from Senior Coach Brad Scott and CEO Craig Vozzo which continue to drive Merrett towards his goal of achieving the ultimate as a Don.
“I’m happy. I’m very fortunate to be at an amazing Club – it’s (no doubt) been a difficult season on-field and not having experienced players out there to help, but I haven’t felt any more motivated,” Merrett said on AFL 360 on Tuesday night.
“I’m so invested in this group and Brad and Craig running the Club.
“I’m all in. I’m contracted for two more years, I’m the Captain of the Club, I’ve got so much trust in Brad and what he’s doing. I really want to see that plan through.”
Merrett laughed off external speculation suggesting he should seek a trade or a change in environment, emphatic in his intent of bringing success to the Club he’s spent his whole career fighting tooth-and-nail for.
“You’ve got to laugh a little bit, I think July is maybe a bit boring for journos at this time of year to start speculating on things but I’m very comfortable where I sit,” Merrett said.
“If I wanted to be individual, I’d go play tennis or golf. I’ve got a lot of motivation and desire to dig in and keep working with these guys.”
With multiple NGA talents and father-sons priming to potentially bolster the Bombers via the draft in the next few seasons – and equipped with capital to pursue external talent – the future remains promising in Merrett’s eyes.
“Seeing debutants come through is the exciting part for me that gives me hope and optimism moving forward,” Merrett said.
“I want to taste that ultimate success with the Club. We’ve set up really well in the next two years with our draft picks and our space capital-wise to start playing some better footy and get some guys on the park, attract some high-end talent moving forward.
“That gives me a lot of excitement, we’ve got some amazing NGA and father-sons coming in the next couple of years. The comp is hard, ruthless, unforgiving but I think a few more young kids coming through the door (will) allow Brad to keep implementing the plan he wants to implement.
“As I said before, I’m super thrilled with where we’re going – although it is difficult when you lose six in a row and you feel emotional like the sun’s not coming up the next day – I’m locked in and excited for the next seven weeks.”
