yeah they were unlucky. they lost a star player. they will be close to top 4 again.
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Wrong thread.
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What if Merret doesnât ask for a trade,likes what heâs seeing and ends up finishing his career with us?
I think the failed trade has given the club and list the wake up call it needed.
Zac was pretty happy with how much of a step up training has been this pre season and how much different the club feels.
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Letâs see how happy he if we only win a few games this year and cop a couple of flogging.
I think we all know he wants success and pretty good odds we arenât playing finals this year or even next so the clock is ticking for him.
Iâd say there is zero chance he signs on and the minute his contract is up he walks for nothing
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he just needs to enjoy his footy again and then i can see him staying. without being captain he might feel a new lease of life. the team obviously needs to have a promising season and not lose 13-14 in a row which is just demoralising
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Yes, my apologies!
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There is more chance of me getting drafted by the Bombers than Zach Merrett not leaving the club either next year or the year after that. Itâs over. Everyone just needs to accept it and move on.
Thatâs a bit kid on ish if you ask meâŚ
Im exited heading into 2026 for the first time in a while - why?
- The messiah Tom Edwards will prove what a gun he is and kick 40+ for the season
- Sharp & Robey look ready to go round 1 - they look like the classy big bodied mids weâve been looking for
- Continuity - injuries derailed us this year it will be great for all players to string together games
- Merrett will remind the comp how good he is - a much better player than a captain for mine
- He will be ably supported by Parish, Durham, Caldwell + new boys Robey & Sharp
- Langford/May & Caddy all provide good foils for the messiah Edwards
- Kako to team up with Guelfi and HUS and run amok
- Defence looks really solid - a grade - if they can stay injury free it will be huge
Whilst Iâm not expecting miracles in 2026 (except from the messiah) I think we will surprise a few people who have already written us off as a bottom 4 team - I think we are better than that
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Reid is the key here, he plays most games and it augurs well for sustaining improvement. Sharp could be colossal in the guts making sure there isnât the easy outs to put pressure on the backs.
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Yes Reid super important - but you add in a fit McKay & Ridley and thats 3 quality tall defeders..
The you have Redman, Roberts & newly appointed captain McGrathâŚthats a pretty solid back 6 with the likes of Clarke/Nguyen/Prior/Johnson able to support
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At some point Hayes and Kondo will need exposure- great options going forward
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Perkins, Jones, Cox, Guelfi, Gresham, Tsatas, Prior, McKay, Setterfield all to be permanent fixtures in 2026.
Whatâs not to be excited about?
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get out
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I thought you were putting a list of players together that wouldnât be with us in 2027.
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Plenty, if VFL is your thing.
I could absolutely see merrett sticking around and fingers crossed he does after witnessing the group buy in and progress.
Good times ahead for the red and black 
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Call me crazy, delusional, but Essendon has a competitive team capable of winning a lot of games in 2026.
Not withstanding injuries, defence and midfield are strong.
Up front, Peter IS KEY and looks primed for a big year. Natural progression from Caddy, Kako, a par performance from Langford says the scoring potential is there.
Like 2017, all I can think about is round 1 2026. The energy around this game will be BIG, especially for Essendon. Not so for Hawthorn who will tick it off as a win.
Of course, the result all comes down to preparation, coaching and game plan.
Feels like under Welshâs leadership the team will have a harder edge. Hopefully Essendon play with more dare, aggression and like 2017, get that win.
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Not mutually exclusive.