Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett has spoken openly about the whirlwind surrounding the club in particular the future of coach Ben Rutten.
In arguably their worst performance of the season, the lacklusture Bombers put in an insipid display during an 84-point drubbing at the hands of Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, a week after the side was also outplayed by an under-siege GWS outfit.
This comes after the side had previously won four from five after the bye, including impressive victories in consecutive weeks against darkhorse premiership contender Sydney and perennial finalists Brisbane.
After taking the club to its first finals appearance since 2017, expectations were that Essendon would challenge again following their September berth last year, with former triple premiership coachย Mick Malthouse predicting the Bombers would win the flag this season.
The club has had a turbulent week with president Paul Brasher resigning with successor David Barham taking the reins on Monday, labelling the moment as, "drawing a line in the sand."
Speaking on Fox Footy's AFL360 with Gerard Whateley and Herald Sun Chief Football Writer Mark Robinson on Monday night, Merrett said Rutten is in a good headspace despite growing speculation that Hawthorn four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson is firming for the job.
"I thought he was pretty strong and courageous to show up, chest out, ready to help us prepare to play against Richmond on Saturday night," Merrett stated.
"He didn't shy away from the fact, he was open, he brought it up.
"I won't go into detail of what he said but he brought it up, the elephant in the room, and chatted through the situation and I think players respected that.
"I think the common theme in the room was players feeling sorry that we're in this position and he was in a position.
"I think he's guarded us throughout the year with some really poor games and taking responsibility personally and to get to this point is largely on us as players so that's the disappointing aspect."
When asked about what the team wants to display in its final home and away game against an in-form Richmond this Saturday night at the MCG, Merrett said the Dons needed to prove toย their fans that they had some "ticker and spine."
"We have been a pretty easy team to play against all year and it showed in Round 1 ... we've been far too inconsistent, and four quarters is going to turn that around, but it's a place to start and we've got a long way to gain respect back in the industry against other teams," the dual All-Australian expressed.
"I guess in games is the only way you really can do it."
Merrett was one of the side's rare shining lights on Sunday collecting 26 disposals.
