Zach Merrett will captain Essendon in 2023 after the membership introduced it might again Dyson Heppell’s deputy to take the reins.
Merrett, who has been appointed the forty first captain within the membership’s historical past, edged out speedy defender Andrew McGrath to assert the function.
McGrath was named vice-captain because the Bombers opted to present their three-time finest and fairest winner the captaincy, a task Merrett had brazenly said he wished even after his shock management group axing in 2020.
It was a “huge honour” to take up the place, Merrett mentioned.
“This is a great club with a great future, and I look forward to playing my role as an on-field and off-field leader,” he mentioned.
“I feel very humble to have been given this opportunity, and I thank Brad Scott, the coaching staff, football department and my teammates for their confidence.
“This is a privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to.”
Merrett, who has performed 184 video games in his 10-year profession up to now and as a 20-year-old captained two video games throughout the membership’s troublesome 2016 season, mentioned there was a “great energy around the group” as he and McGrath took over from Heppell.
“With Andy and I as captains, supported by a group of emerging leaders, we are all united and aligned in our vision to take us back to being a successful football club,” he mentioned.
“This is a journey for all Essendon people – we’re bringing everyone along for the ride and we are working really hard to make our members and supporters proud of this team again.
“I also thank Dyson Heppell who is a great mate and who has led the Bombers with such distinction over six seasons. He has worked hard behind the scenes to get us to where we are today, and I hope we can reward his commitment with some great wins in 2023.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
