Zach Merrett has reportedly said that James Hird isn't the right candidate for the vacant Essendon senior coaching role.
Merrett, who has played 184 games for the Bombers since being drafted in 2013, made the comments while speaking at the Women in Insolvency and Restructuring Victoria Footy Finals Luncheon as the search for Essendon's next senior coach continues.
Per reports from the Herald Sun, the 26-year-old believed it wouldn't be the right path for the Bombers to go down as they seek to bounce back from their 15th placed finish this year.
Hird met with the panel assembled to appoint the next coach earlier in the week, putting his hand up to join the senior coaching ranks once again after stepping down from his role in 2015.
The Essendon champion is just one of several current candidates for the role, with Adam Yze, Brendon Lade and Dean Solomon also interviewed.
Merrett reportedly said that while Hird was not his ideal candidate to replace Ben Rutten, he, and the club, would make the appointment work.
Speaking after Wednesday's meetings, former Hawk Jordan Lewis, who is part of the six-person panel, said he was "impressed" by the candidates.
“There were candidates today that I’ve had personal relationships with and been involved with at certain clubs so there is certain elements of whether it be emotional, interactive, whatever it may be – you have to come with it from that (impartial) lens," Lewis said on AFL 360.
“I think all the panel members today were really impressed by presentations.”
The four-time premiership Hawk also said that he was engaging with those inside the club to "get a feel" for what they need.
“It’d be derelict for me to go into a position like I’ve been asked to do without getting a feel from the club,” he said on AFL360.
“From parents, players, ex-players, staff members - I’ve called 20 people. I’m not there day-to-day and a lot of people involved in this aren’t there day-to-day so it’s not only what we think is the best candidate or the best coach for the Essendon Football Club.
“You’ve certainly got to have a finger on the pulse on what’s inside the club and what they think they potentially need.”