Freshly minted Essendon president Andrew Welsh says he will not be trading Zach Merrett.
Barham highlighted the need for a change as the club attempts to reset following a challenging season marred by injuries and poor on-field performances.
The Bombers are looking to right some wrongs in their high-performance department, acquiring David Regan and Mat Inness.
Essendon has also moved on a host of players, including veterans Dylan Shiel, Todd Goldstein and Jayden Laverde, while dealing with the potential departures of Merrett as well as Sam Draper and Jordan Ridley.
However, Welsh was firm in his stance, saying that the Bombers' skipper would not be going anywhere, despite the strong links to Hawthorn.
"Zach is a champion of our club," Welsh said.
"He's a great guy. He's an Essendon person. And we have spoken publicly that Zach is a required player.
"He's contracted to the club. We won't be entertaining any trade for Zach.
"At the core of it, Zach is such a fantastic Essendon person that I'm confident, come pre-season, that he's going to add significant value through these recent experiences to the group."
Merrrett was caught meeting with Sam Mitchell earlier this month and has remained tight-lipped until the evening of the Brownlow Medal.
The star midfielder said the time has been "difficult" but still has plenty of love for the club.
Hear from the new President, Andrew Welsh.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) September 23, 2025
"I've had constant dialogue with the club and have felt their support from behind closed doors," Merrett said on Fox Footy.
"It's been difficult, but it's the industry we're in. I understand that. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.
"I still feel the love (for Essendon). It's a place I absolutely adore, and have for 12 years. What happens beyond that, I don't know yet.
"We'll see what happens as we work through what's next for all of us, and there's obviously plenty of factors at play, and uncertainty as well."
