Essendon captain Zach Merrett has pledged his future to the club after speculation raged he could seek a trade as the Bombers' struggle to win games.
The 29-year-old rejected a massive offer from St Kilda prior to the season and with Essendon losing six games in a row, there have been rumours he might want to move elsewhere to achieve success.
However, Merrett emphatically denied that he wants to leave the club and spoke passionately of how he sees the club's future going forwards.
"Yeah, I’m all in. I’m contracted for two more years, I’m the captain of the footy club. I’ve got so much trust in Brad and what he’s doing; I really want to see that through," Merrett said on AFL 360.
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"That plan through the strategy is a bit longer than I’d probably would have liked when I signed four years ago, but I think it’s pretty clear now these kids are coming through.
"I want to taste that ultimate success with the footy club.
"I think we’re set up really well now in the next two years with our draft picks.
"Our space capital wise to hopefully start playing some better footy and get some guys on the park to then attract some high-end talent moving forward, that gives me a lot of excitement.
"I’m super thrilled and excited for where we’re going — although it’s difficult when you lose six in a row and you feel emotional. You feel like the sun’s not coming up the next day.
"(But) I’m locked in and excited for these next seven weeks."
Merrett revealed he was aware of the speculation surrounding his future but insisted he is playing a team sport, not an individual one.
"Yeah, I don’t live under a rock — I’m certainly aware of that (speculation). My mates love sending me screenshots of photos and articles," he said.
"You’ve got to laugh a little bit, I think July’s a bit boring for journos at this time of year to start speculating on things. I’m very comfortable on where I sit.
"We play a team sport; if I wanted to be individual I’d go and play tennis or golf.
"Playing footy, you play for the ultimate prize, and hearing Jeremy (Howe’s) experience makes me very jealous and envious of what they’ve been able to achieve.
"Seeing debutants come through and show promise is the exciting part for me. It gives me hope and optimism moving forward."