Former Essendon captain Zach Merrett has opened up on the challenge of this year's intense media scrutiny.
The Bombers have won just one of their past 28 matches and Merrett's game and future intentions have been the source of weekly discussion which he conceded had weighed on him.
“They judge how I am playing, I am not going to criticise their views, that's their opinions. Maybe if they could back it up with some data, that would be nice … They don't know what my intent is, what I am doing nine to five Monday to Friday. They are paid to have opinions,” he said at the launch of the AFL's kids footy month.
“I have had a few exchanges with a couple of people in the media, behind closed doors, which can remain there. There have been a few things that have been amiss, an imbalance of reporting, that's been a bit frustrating.”
He admitted there have been “dark moments” following his failed trade to Hawthorn as the media discourse has played out.
“I was probably naive … to the amount of chatter and focus and noise that would present this year. I think a lot of it's been justified, in some it's probably borderline, crossed the line, with the obsessive nature of some personalities in the media,” he said.
“But, as I said before, I get to rock up every day, do my dream job. There is, obviously, so much greatness that comes with footy, and so much fun and enjoyment and passion.
“That five per cent [negativity] is probably at the cost of 95 per cent. So, I understand, it is what it is. That's what I love doing.
“But, yeah, there have been some dark moments, no doubt.”
Merrett straight batted a question about his own future, instead focusing on his own form which he indicated was not at the level he wanted it to be.
“There are a lot of unknowns for the club to work through and off the back of that, I will work through mine as well,” he said.
“I will keep trying to get better,” he said.
“I am in a rush to be a more well rounded player. Even at 30, I think there are still great opportunities for the next four, five, six, or seven years to be a better player and perform better for the team.”
