Essendon legend Tim Watson admits there is some uncertainty surrounding Zach Merrett as he demands representatives of the Bombers gun to speak out on his future.
Merrett, who is contracted for the 2021 season, has been linked with both Collingwood and Carlton in recent weeks, as speculation persists surrounding the midfielder.
Watson has called out Merrett’s manager, Tom Petroro, to end the speculation that surrounds his star client.
“100 per cent I don’t know (if he’s staying). I thought that he was staying, but this is the point. If he is (staying) and he’s got another year to run on his contract right, and this is all just speculation,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“So if this is all just talk, all his management needs to do today, Tom Petroro is his manager, just stand up somewhere, put up a statement Tom and say ‘yes, Merrett, end this speculation, he is not going anywhere, he wants to stay at Essendon and he will play out his contract at the Bombers. What happens beyond that we’re not sure about, but right now that’s what he is preparing to do’.
“I know Paul Brasher has said he’s had a conversation with Zach and Zach’s said he’s staying, but I would like to hear it from his management to say ‘he’s not going anywhere’.
“Otherwise this speculation will continue right through the trade period.”
Garry Lyon agreed with the nature of the reports, suggesting representatives of Merrett and Collingwood star Adam Treloar should end the silence.
“It’s not what you say. It’s what you don’t say,” Lyon said.
“Adam Treloar. It’s not what he says. It’s what’s not being said by Collingwood.
“How easy is that for Collingwood? ‘Hey, didn’t you hear Adam on Friday? Here’s a statement, he’s contracted and under no circumstances we’ll trade him’.”
