After Zach Merrett's failed move to Hawthorn in the 2025 AFL Trade Period, he has officially stood down as Essendon's skipper after three seasons as captain of the club.
The question is, who will be the Bombers' next captain for the future?
Essendon doesn't have a standout guy to be the next leader, but they have a few who may be favoured, and a couple of smokey options for the future.
The next captain of the Bombers will have a key role in developing and helping the Bombers' young side for the future, and the Bombers need to make sure they don't have another Merrett situation in the near future.
We look through Essendon's best options for their next captain for the 2026 season and beyond.
2Mason Redman
Mason Redman is another leading option for the Bombers captaincy, joining the leadership group for the first time in 2025 in his 10th season.
Redman is one of the most experienced players at the Bombers after being drafted to the club in the 2015 National Draft, placing third in the Crichton Medal and winning a best clubman award over his career.
He has been a proven leader at the club, leading from the backline, and he shows his leadership capabilities during the 2025 season, taking new draftee Angus Clarke under his wing, who was also drafted from the Limestone Coast and Glenelg.
Redman is a clear option for either the Bombers' new captain or vice-captain, and shows his commitment to Essendon on and off the field.
