1 00:00:00,520 --> 00:00:04,720 Speaker 1: Essendon captain Zach Merritz meets with Hawthorne, fueling that the 2 00:00:04,720 --> 00:00:07,840 Speaker 1: growing belief he wants out of the Bombers, say his coach, 3 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:09,959 Speaker 1: Brad's got is live at the desk. 4 00:00:10,720 --> 00:00:14,160 Speaker 2: The Crows seek to make amends upter blowing the advantages 5 00:00:14,240 --> 00:00:15,360 Speaker 2: of the minor premiership. 6 00:00:15,640 --> 00:00:18,760 Speaker 3: It's a scenario. John Longmeyer has lived. 7 00:00:18,960 --> 00:00:22,239 Speaker 1: And riding the wave of momentum through a September campaign 8 00:00:22,640 --> 00:00:25,920 Speaker 1: and the Suns turn one great win into a run. 9 00:00:27,280 --> 00:00:29,479 Speaker 3: You've talked about this, step into it, debrace all of it, 10 00:00:29,600 --> 00:00:30,920 Speaker 3: hit in the room and met it. 11 00:00:30,920 --> 00:00:34,440 Speaker 1: It's unedifying for a senior coach to do that. They're 12 00:00:34,479 --> 00:00:36,559 Speaker 1: on the side of courtia with the brain, take the 13 00:00:36,640 --> 00:00:38,760 Speaker 1: man on it. They played the best footy I've ever 14 00:00:38,800 --> 00:00:40,600 Speaker 1: seen at the start of the season, and Inde said 15 00:00:40,640 --> 00:00:42,720 Speaker 1: president left. The couple older said, of course they do. 16 00:00:42,880 --> 00:00:44,599 Speaker 3: It's the stuff that legends are made of. 17 00:00:44,720 --> 00:00:45,800 Speaker 4: What is holding the ball? 18 00:00:46,040 --> 00:00:48,720 Speaker 5: I don't think I could answer it clearly right now 19 00:00:48,760 --> 00:00:49,360 Speaker 5: that I could do. 20 00:00:49,320 --> 00:00:51,199 Speaker 4: Something wrong, you know, and I need to go and 21 00:00:51,240 --> 00:00:55,240 Speaker 4: the board sets me. The fans lover and with no fans, no. 22 00:00:55,360 --> 00:01:05,319 Speaker 1: Through sixty year old, I thought Wednesday might have been 23 00:01:05,360 --> 00:01:07,600 Speaker 1: the lull gours given we don't play till Friday night. 24 00:01:07,640 --> 00:01:09,400 Speaker 1: But it has been no such thing. 25 00:01:09,600 --> 00:01:11,640 Speaker 2: Na interesting times have we lived in And I can't 26 00:01:11,720 --> 00:01:13,440 Speaker 2: wait for Brad's got to come in and sit down. 27 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:14,319 Speaker 3: I think there'll be a whole. 28 00:01:14,160 --> 00:01:17,640 Speaker 2: Host of footy people and Essen supporters especially that will 29 00:01:17,640 --> 00:01:19,080 Speaker 2: be watching on with interest. 30 00:01:19,120 --> 00:01:21,920 Speaker 1: Yeah, emotions have been pretty raw throughout the day. Let's 31 00:01:21,959 --> 00:01:24,200 Speaker 1: just start down the highway where what should have been 32 00:01:24,240 --> 00:01:27,399 Speaker 1: the most innocuous of training sessions given Geelong have the 33 00:01:27,440 --> 00:01:31,279 Speaker 1: week off reached a flashpoint when Bailey Smith confronted News 34 00:01:31,400 --> 00:01:34,520 Speaker 1: Corp photographer Alison Wines, who had taken that image of 35 00:01:34,600 --> 00:01:38,440 Speaker 1: Smith getting treatment before training in full view at the 36 00:01:38,480 --> 00:01:43,280 Speaker 1: open part of the session. Smith twice confronted swore and 37 00:01:43,319 --> 00:01:47,480 Speaker 1: demandeds that Wine deletes those images, believing it was an 38 00:01:47,520 --> 00:01:49,880 Speaker 1: invasion of his personal space. 39 00:01:50,840 --> 00:01:52,200 Speaker 3: That's really disappointing. 40 00:01:52,240 --> 00:01:55,320 Speaker 2: It's unacceptable, it's not good enough and it shouldn't be indulged. 41 00:01:55,720 --> 00:01:58,440 Speaker 2: You can't have it both ways, Bailey, That's what we've 42 00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:02,920 Speaker 2: got to here, understanding you bravely bear your soul and 43 00:02:02,960 --> 00:02:04,960 Speaker 2: then you're under all your good work by beliving a 44 00:02:04,960 --> 00:02:07,360 Speaker 2: photographers just trying to do his job, a her job 45 00:02:07,400 --> 00:02:09,919 Speaker 2: in this instance, but just be better, Bailey, be a 46 00:02:10,000 --> 00:02:13,560 Speaker 2: better man than that. I think the footy world has 47 00:02:13,600 --> 00:02:17,120 Speaker 2: tried to understand and except that no one's perfect and 48 00:02:17,160 --> 00:02:20,160 Speaker 2: you've got your shortcomings as we all have. But there's 49 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:22,000 Speaker 2: been way way better players than you, mate, that have 50 00:02:22,040 --> 00:02:23,440 Speaker 2: had to put up with more than that, and they've 51 00:02:23,440 --> 00:02:25,120 Speaker 2: been able to do it with a degree of class. 52 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:28,840 Speaker 3: So we respect you. Pay it back, pay it back. 53 00:02:29,520 --> 00:02:32,560 Speaker 1: That's just not on I suspect he has a difficult 54 00:02:32,560 --> 00:02:35,280 Speaker 1: relationship with the paparazzi side of things, which not many 55 00:02:35,320 --> 00:02:37,840 Speaker 1: footballers have to do. That's not what this is. This 56 00:02:37,880 --> 00:02:40,440 Speaker 1: is the football environment. It's a safe environment, it's a 57 00:02:40,480 --> 00:02:43,240 Speaker 1: shared environment, and there needs to be that respect going 58 00:02:43,280 --> 00:02:43,799 Speaker 1: both ways. 59 00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:47,040 Speaker 2: Mister Mark badly and I wait to see Geo long 60 00:02:47,040 --> 00:02:49,720 Speaker 2: I've got a fantastic record of handling these things, but 61 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:51,760 Speaker 2: we need to hear from them and we need to 62 00:02:51,800 --> 00:02:52,320 Speaker 2: hear from him. 63 00:02:52,480 --> 00:02:54,440 Speaker 1: All right, here's what we've got lined up for tonight. 64 00:02:54,480 --> 00:02:56,440 Speaker 1: Brad Scott is about to join us. Adam Simpson and 65 00:02:56,480 --> 00:02:58,800 Speaker 1: John Longmi are our favorite pairing who have lived a 66 00:02:58,800 --> 00:03:01,639 Speaker 1: lot of the scenarios of semi final week, and Jock 67 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:05,919 Speaker 1: Landale is in Town ahead of returning for the NBA preparations. 68 00:03:05,919 --> 00:03:09,440 Speaker 1: His Magpies don't play, so his timing is not exactly perfect, 69 00:03:09,480 --> 00:03:11,040 Speaker 1: but he's going to come and join us at the 70 00:03:11,080 --> 00:03:15,320 Speaker 1: desk after us. It's a big News Night's midweek tackle, 71 00:03:15,400 --> 00:03:18,560 Speaker 1: so Lawrence got Corbyn and John Ralph in place. Tomorrow 72 00:03:18,680 --> 00:03:21,360 Speaker 1: night is the in depth look at the semifinals first 73 00:03:21,360 --> 00:03:24,120 Speaker 1: Crack preview, so a special Thursday Night edition Ben Dixon, 74 00:03:24,240 --> 00:03:27,040 Speaker 1: David King and Lee Montagna and that takes us to 75 00:03:27,080 --> 00:03:27,799 Speaker 1: the game covering. 76 00:03:28,040 --> 00:03:31,080 Speaker 2: Then we turn our attention to Adelaide over will be outstanding, 77 00:03:31,120 --> 00:03:34,440 Speaker 2: So full contingent traveling over there. It's going to be outstanding. 78 00:03:34,880 --> 00:03:37,000 Speaker 2: We're going to see what happens with an Adelaie Crow side. 79 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:39,440 Speaker 2: They've had a week to contemplate what finals foot is about. 80 00:03:39,680 --> 00:03:41,920 Speaker 2: Up against Sam Mitchell and a pretty angry and hungry 81 00:03:42,040 --> 00:03:45,960 Speaker 2: Hawthorne team. Outstanding will fly home on Saturday. You'll keep 82 00:03:46,000 --> 00:03:49,840 Speaker 2: going head up to the Gamma. All eyes on the 83 00:03:49,920 --> 00:03:52,280 Speaker 2: Q clash. So the Brisboo lines take on the Pink Suns. 84 00:03:52,560 --> 00:03:54,880 Speaker 2: What about that team there, Sarah Jones heading it up 85 00:03:54,920 --> 00:03:57,800 Speaker 2: and Dunstall and Matthews and King and Brown. 86 00:03:58,360 --> 00:04:01,280 Speaker 1: That's locked and loaded, so you might have his merch 87 00:04:01,480 --> 00:04:02,560 Speaker 1: on sale at the ground. 88 00:04:03,200 --> 00:04:05,160 Speaker 2: Type will be up, you'll be reading chapters from his 89 00:04:05,240 --> 00:04:09,040 Speaker 2: book out on the concourse, Fox Footy covering finals, outstanding 90 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:11,080 Speaker 2: over the first round and it's going to be great again. 91 00:04:11,160 --> 00:04:13,400 Speaker 1: All right, four teams to choose from. Who is a 92 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:15,360 Speaker 1: d Day four? Thanks to Ossie brought boun. 93 00:04:15,320 --> 00:04:17,200 Speaker 4: Crows for me. I'm going straight to the top of 94 00:04:17,240 --> 00:04:17,680 Speaker 4: the table. 95 00:04:17,720 --> 00:04:20,320 Speaker 3: Crows just they flunked. They got an F. 96 00:04:20,760 --> 00:04:23,599 Speaker 2: That's okay, it's how you respond to the F. It's 97 00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:26,320 Speaker 2: not terminal at this stage. They are one of six 98 00:04:26,360 --> 00:04:29,440 Speaker 2: teams still who can win this twenty twenty five Premiership 99 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:30,760 Speaker 2: and they wouldn't have felt like it at the end 100 00:04:30,760 --> 00:04:31,800 Speaker 2: of the game last week. 101 00:04:32,040 --> 00:04:32,640 Speaker 4: But that's right. 102 00:04:32,640 --> 00:04:34,520 Speaker 2: They're back on the Adelaide Oval and they get a 103 00:04:34,600 --> 00:04:37,800 Speaker 2: chance at redemption. They come up against a really hungry, 104 00:04:37,839 --> 00:04:40,320 Speaker 2: aggressive Hawthorn side and they've got to match them. If 105 00:04:40,320 --> 00:04:43,000 Speaker 2: they don't match them, they'll get bundled aside Again. I've 106 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:44,960 Speaker 2: got a feeling, and I've just got a bit of 107 00:04:44,960 --> 00:04:47,360 Speaker 2: a feeling that they can do something in the Crows 108 00:04:47,440 --> 00:04:50,279 Speaker 2: after a really disappointing first up effort which leaves you 109 00:04:50,320 --> 00:04:51,159 Speaker 2: with one game to do. 110 00:04:51,360 --> 00:04:54,760 Speaker 1: Yes, so I'll take the Brisbane lines. Is this going 111 00:04:54,800 --> 00:04:57,800 Speaker 1: to be the end of the premiership defense? They have 112 00:04:57,960 --> 00:05:01,440 Speaker 1: toiled away stoically under all manner of adversity. They have 113 00:05:01,600 --> 00:05:04,200 Speaker 1: been Burnborough, but every now and then sixty two and 114 00:05:04,200 --> 00:05:07,600 Speaker 1: a half kilos will break the back. So is that 115 00:05:07,680 --> 00:05:10,360 Speaker 1: the moment that we've reached with the Brisbane Lions. There's 116 00:05:10,360 --> 00:05:12,719 Speaker 1: a bit of a contradiction here. They are in a 117 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:16,919 Speaker 1: way they're the aging champs. They're actually the youngest still here. 118 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:19,039 Speaker 1: So there's eight under twenty two and they had three 119 00:05:19,040 --> 00:05:20,920 Speaker 1: of the four teenagers who played in the first week 120 00:05:20,920 --> 00:05:23,480 Speaker 1: of the finals. They're in the line. So it feels 121 00:05:23,480 --> 00:05:26,200 Speaker 1: like two things are true at once. What we've admired 122 00:05:26,320 --> 00:05:28,880 Speaker 1: is their heart right throughout the year, and every time 123 00:05:28,920 --> 00:05:31,800 Speaker 1: they've had a performance like that they have been able 124 00:05:31,839 --> 00:05:35,040 Speaker 1: to rebound. There's all. You don't need additional motivation at 125 00:05:35,040 --> 00:05:37,880 Speaker 1: this time of year. They are playing for their premiership chances. 126 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:40,720 Speaker 1: They have the crosstown rival who they have kept under 127 00:05:40,720 --> 00:05:43,479 Speaker 1: wraps for their whole existence. Are they going to be 128 00:05:43,520 --> 00:05:44,360 Speaker 1: able to do it again? 129 00:05:44,440 --> 00:05:48,760 Speaker 2: They don't want to hand up their title to these. 130 00:05:48,240 --> 00:05:49,559 Speaker 3: Upstarts from the Gold Coast. 131 00:05:49,800 --> 00:05:50,080 Speaker 1: John O. 132 00:05:50,160 --> 00:05:51,960 Speaker 2: Brown has been massive on the fact that they have 133 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:54,880 Speaker 2: responded the Brisbane Lions every time they've been challenged this year, 134 00:05:54,920 --> 00:05:56,360 Speaker 2: and he's confident they can go it again. 135 00:05:57,120 --> 00:05:59,320 Speaker 3: Let's see. I think they're going to be cheeky. They're 136 00:05:59,360 --> 00:06:01,080 Speaker 3: not going away Pik. 137 00:06:00,640 --> 00:06:02,680 Speaker 1: No, No, it'll be a hell of a good game. 138 00:06:02,720 --> 00:06:04,920 Speaker 1: Both of them will be all right. Let's get to 139 00:06:04,960 --> 00:06:07,840 Speaker 1: the top of the agenda. Zach Merrett's future has now 140 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:12,159 Speaker 1: reached flashpoints. No sooner had Essendon's board resolved under no 141 00:06:12,320 --> 00:06:15,360 Speaker 1: circumstances to trade its captain than it was revealed that 142 00:06:15,440 --> 00:06:19,920 Speaker 1: Merritt had met with bitter rival Hawthorne yesterday. Brad Scott 143 00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:26,239 Speaker 1: about to join us. Zach, that the broader conversation around 144 00:06:26,279 --> 00:06:27,880 Speaker 1: you which has been had in the industry at the 145 00:06:27,880 --> 00:06:31,000 Speaker 1: moment where we casually move players wherever we feel they 146 00:06:31,040 --> 00:06:34,960 Speaker 1: should go, is go and be happy somewhere else. Are 147 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:36,320 Speaker 1: you aware of that conversation? 148 00:06:37,200 --> 00:06:39,080 Speaker 6: Yeah, I don't live under a rock and certainly aware 149 00:06:39,080 --> 00:06:39,279 Speaker 6: of that. 150 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:42,520 Speaker 1: So they've had to sell the vision to Zach Merritt, 151 00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:44,839 Speaker 1: who's been mentioned again twelve months earlier. 152 00:06:44,880 --> 00:06:46,400 Speaker 4: They had to sit down with him, say, Zach, you're 153 00:06:46,400 --> 00:06:48,880 Speaker 4: our captain, please stay we're going to come. Well, they've 154 00:06:48,880 --> 00:06:49,679 Speaker 4: had to do it again. 155 00:06:50,400 --> 00:06:54,120 Speaker 1: Zach Merrett, the essiting captain, met with Hawthorne on Tuesday 156 00:06:54,200 --> 00:06:56,919 Speaker 1: night and he explored away out of the club, emigling 157 00:06:56,960 --> 00:06:58,159 Speaker 1: to Zach Merret any truth of it. 158 00:06:59,279 --> 00:07:01,919 Speaker 7: I'm not sure to talk to the list management guys 159 00:07:01,960 --> 00:07:04,360 Speaker 7: about that, but I mean I hope that they are 160 00:07:04,440 --> 00:07:06,680 Speaker 7: working behind the scenes on improving our list. That's what 161 00:07:06,720 --> 00:07:08,359 Speaker 7: their job is, and I hope they're going about that. 162 00:07:08,839 --> 00:07:10,840 Speaker 7: Improving our list is what every club's doing. 163 00:07:11,440 --> 00:07:13,400 Speaker 2: I work with Tim Watson, one of the all time greats, 164 00:07:13,400 --> 00:07:14,920 Speaker 2: couldn't even contemplate. 165 00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:15,400 Speaker 3: Leursing Zach Merrit. 166 00:07:15,880 --> 00:07:18,440 Speaker 7: He has now got the power to close it all 167 00:07:18,480 --> 00:07:23,400 Speaker 7: down once and for all. If I'm Zack, I'd say move, move, 168 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:26,200 Speaker 7: because if you thought about it this often for this long, 169 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:28,280 Speaker 7: and you feel like it's not going to happen, well 170 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:29,880 Speaker 7: then you've got to have the strengthen your convictions. 171 00:07:29,880 --> 00:07:30,400 Speaker 1: You got to move. 172 00:07:31,360 --> 00:07:33,240 Speaker 2: I just can't believe in a world where they can 173 00:07:33,320 --> 00:07:38,880 Speaker 2: let the best player captain go skip you just absolutely 174 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:41,600 Speaker 2: unequivocally putting it to bed and saying that's just made 175 00:07:41,640 --> 00:07:42,280 Speaker 2: up that stuff. 176 00:07:42,360 --> 00:07:45,120 Speaker 1: Yeah, I'm all in. I'm contracted in two more years. 177 00:07:45,160 --> 00:07:51,720 Speaker 1: I'm the captain of the footy club. I've got so 178 00:07:51,840 --> 00:07:52,600 Speaker 1: much trust. 179 00:07:52,320 --> 00:07:54,440 Speaker 6: In Brad and what he's doing and I really want 180 00:07:54,440 --> 00:07:56,080 Speaker 6: to see that through. It's a bit longer than I 181 00:07:56,080 --> 00:07:58,400 Speaker 6: probably would hopefully like when I signed four years ago, 182 00:07:58,520 --> 00:08:00,920 Speaker 6: but it's pretty clear now these kids are coming through 183 00:08:00,960 --> 00:08:02,600 Speaker 6: and I want to take that ultimate success with the 184 00:08:02,600 --> 00:08:03,160 Speaker 6: footing club. 185 00:08:08,480 --> 00:08:11,800 Speaker 1: This has played out this desk at various stages this year, 186 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:13,200 Speaker 1: and so it is tonight, Brad Scott. 187 00:08:13,240 --> 00:08:15,239 Speaker 4: Welcome, Thanks Jerret, Thanks Garry. 188 00:08:15,280 --> 00:08:17,800 Speaker 1: Will you blindsided by Zach's meeting with Hawthorne? 189 00:08:18,280 --> 00:08:20,640 Speaker 5: Yeah, that was a surprise to me. I mean I 190 00:08:20,680 --> 00:08:24,840 Speaker 5: speak to Zach daily. He's over at my house a 191 00:08:24,840 --> 00:08:27,840 Speaker 5: couple of days ago having dinner, so I'm well aware 192 00:08:27,880 --> 00:08:30,280 Speaker 5: of Zach's position. 193 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:33,160 Speaker 4: In terms of you know, he's as it's in the 194 00:08:33,240 --> 00:08:34,320 Speaker 4: run running there. 195 00:08:34,360 --> 00:08:37,400 Speaker 5: He talked about our young talent and he's very excited 196 00:08:37,400 --> 00:08:39,720 Speaker 5: about the young talent on our list and has got 197 00:08:39,760 --> 00:08:40,760 Speaker 5: full confidence in them. 198 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:43,960 Speaker 4: But he's as hungry for success as. 199 00:08:43,800 --> 00:08:47,000 Speaker 5: Any player that I've ever encountered. And you know, he's 200 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:50,040 Speaker 5: a man in a rash. He's twenty nine. You know, 201 00:08:50,080 --> 00:08:53,120 Speaker 5: he's concerned that will the young talent mature enough in 202 00:08:53,160 --> 00:08:56,520 Speaker 5: time for him to enjoy that success. But the reality 203 00:08:56,640 --> 00:09:01,520 Speaker 5: is that this time last year we recommitted to Zach. 204 00:09:01,559 --> 00:09:04,880 Speaker 5: We felt he was underpaid for someone who was performing 205 00:09:04,880 --> 00:09:06,679 Speaker 5: at such a high level, so for the second time 206 00:09:06,720 --> 00:09:07,640 Speaker 5: in three years. 207 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:07,480 Speaker 4: We. 208 00:09:09,160 --> 00:09:11,960 Speaker 5: Changed his remuneration to reflect his brilliant performance. 209 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:16,200 Speaker 4: And he's terrific leadership. So we committed to him. 210 00:09:16,480 --> 00:09:18,720 Speaker 5: You know, he committed to us, and like our CEO 211 00:09:18,760 --> 00:09:21,080 Speaker 5: who move into state committed to the club. I came 212 00:09:21,120 --> 00:09:23,439 Speaker 5: and made a commitment to the club. I intend to 213 00:09:23,480 --> 00:09:25,600 Speaker 5: see my commitment through and I expect our captain to 214 00:09:25,640 --> 00:09:26,120 Speaker 5: do the same. 215 00:09:26,240 --> 00:09:28,280 Speaker 1: Has he cheated on you in a footy sense? Taking 216 00:09:28,280 --> 00:09:29,600 Speaker 1: that meeting yesterday. 217 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:32,080 Speaker 5: Look, I think we've all got to accept that the 218 00:09:32,160 --> 00:09:36,240 Speaker 5: old school, the old timers, Gary, we probably have a 219 00:09:36,240 --> 00:09:39,120 Speaker 5: problem with it. And this is the second club captain 220 00:09:39,280 --> 00:09:42,120 Speaker 5: Sam Mitchell's met with in one year. The difference is 221 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:46,360 Speaker 5: our club captain is contracted for another two years. So 222 00:09:47,200 --> 00:09:49,800 Speaker 5: I think you've got to accept that that players are 223 00:09:49,800 --> 00:09:53,560 Speaker 5: going to do this and now coaches are doing it. 224 00:09:53,640 --> 00:09:58,400 Speaker 5: But I think that the reality is that Zach's a 225 00:09:58,520 --> 00:10:02,079 Speaker 5: process driven guy. He wants He's got a checklist, he'll 226 00:10:02,120 --> 00:10:04,520 Speaker 5: go through his process and he likes to come to 227 00:10:04,559 --> 00:10:06,679 Speaker 5: his own conclusion. So in a way, this is Zach 228 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:09,880 Speaker 5: just doing his due diligence. But it feels like we've 229 00:10:09,880 --> 00:10:12,439 Speaker 5: done our due diligence to out of the last three 230 00:10:12,520 --> 00:10:15,800 Speaker 5: years and we have a really clear vision. It's a 231 00:10:15,840 --> 00:10:17,920 Speaker 5: real It's been a really challenging year for a number 232 00:10:17,920 --> 00:10:21,680 Speaker 5: of reasons, but we've all made a commitment. And the 233 00:10:21,760 --> 00:10:24,679 Speaker 5: thing about a commitment is that the reward at the 234 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:27,800 Speaker 5: end of it is not guaranteed. But the thing I've 235 00:10:27,880 --> 00:10:31,480 Speaker 5: learned about success is that it's fantastic when you get it, 236 00:10:32,520 --> 00:10:34,640 Speaker 5: But it's the journey and the effort and the blood, 237 00:10:34,640 --> 00:10:37,080 Speaker 5: sweat and tears that you put in to the process 238 00:10:37,120 --> 00:10:40,000 Speaker 5: to get the success that's the reward, not the outcome. 239 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:43,760 Speaker 5: It's not the premiership medal or the winning finals. It's 240 00:10:43,800 --> 00:10:46,199 Speaker 5: the work that you put in with other people, the 241 00:10:46,240 --> 00:10:50,080 Speaker 5: commitment you make to people, that's the reward. The outcome 242 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:51,800 Speaker 5: is just reward for the effort. 243 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:54,120 Speaker 1: If he comes to you and says he doesn't believe 244 00:10:54,160 --> 00:10:56,360 Speaker 1: in your vision anymore and he wants to go and 245 00:10:56,400 --> 00:10:58,720 Speaker 1: chase it elsewhere, will you entertain trading him? 246 00:10:58,760 --> 00:11:00,920 Speaker 4: Well, the reality is his vision as well. 247 00:11:01,080 --> 00:11:04,760 Speaker 5: I mean he is, he's invested in our club and 248 00:11:05,120 --> 00:11:08,720 Speaker 5: he's been kept right up to speed with the vision. 249 00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:11,480 Speaker 5: And it's been a challenging year. I mean we started 250 00:11:11,480 --> 00:11:13,880 Speaker 5: the year at six and four. I mean we had 251 00:11:13,960 --> 00:11:17,280 Speaker 5: even challenges at that stage, but then you know, the 252 00:11:17,320 --> 00:11:19,880 Speaker 5: injury crisis has been well documented throughout the year, so 253 00:11:20,320 --> 00:11:23,560 Speaker 5: you know, but again, I can't stress enough that, you know, 254 00:11:23,600 --> 00:11:26,880 Speaker 5: I love this bloke, like I think he's an incredible player. 255 00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:29,960 Speaker 5: I've rarely seen anyone like him, you know, and and 256 00:11:30,520 --> 00:11:33,880 Speaker 5: playing group almost make fun of me for constantly, you know, 257 00:11:34,720 --> 00:11:39,240 Speaker 5: referring to Zach and his on field deeds and his 258 00:11:39,360 --> 00:11:42,480 Speaker 5: will to win is unbelievable. And if he does have 259 00:11:42,520 --> 00:11:46,720 Speaker 5: a chink in his armor, it's that that will to 260 00:11:46,800 --> 00:11:51,320 Speaker 5: win and that desperation for success. He sometimes wears his 261 00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:53,400 Speaker 5: heart on his sleeve and he shows that frustration. But 262 00:11:53,440 --> 00:11:55,760 Speaker 5: if that's the biggest chink that he's got, you know, 263 00:11:55,800 --> 00:11:56,640 Speaker 5: it's not the worst one. 264 00:11:56,679 --> 00:11:58,439 Speaker 1: But if he says he wants out or you hold 265 00:11:58,520 --> 00:11:59,199 Speaker 1: him against. 266 00:11:59,000 --> 00:12:04,080 Speaker 5: His will our club, he's contracted captain, so our club's 267 00:12:04,120 --> 00:12:06,079 Speaker 5: position is that we will not be trading him under 268 00:12:06,120 --> 00:12:07,040 Speaker 5: any circumstances. 269 00:12:07,200 --> 00:12:08,959 Speaker 3: Can he still be a captain if he wants, if 270 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:10,480 Speaker 3: he requests a trade? 271 00:12:10,800 --> 00:12:13,240 Speaker 2: Can you still lead your football club? Share your vision? 272 00:12:13,280 --> 00:12:15,960 Speaker 2: I'm watching and watching you. You feel and look like 273 00:12:16,040 --> 00:12:19,000 Speaker 2: you really, you know, personally hurt by this. 274 00:12:19,800 --> 00:12:23,800 Speaker 5: Well, it's not about me personally, it's about our club. 275 00:12:23,840 --> 00:12:26,319 Speaker 5: I feel like I talk to our supporters, I talk 276 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:28,920 Speaker 5: to our members, and at the end of all of 277 00:12:28,920 --> 00:12:30,839 Speaker 5: those conversations, I'd say the same thing to all of 278 00:12:30,880 --> 00:12:34,200 Speaker 5: our supporters, say stick with us, And almost to a 279 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:36,959 Speaker 5: man or woman, they say, through thick and thin, I'm 280 00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:40,520 Speaker 5: rustled on. They've been through some really difficult times and 281 00:12:41,040 --> 00:12:43,120 Speaker 5: the real carrot for me to come to us was 282 00:12:43,160 --> 00:12:47,040 Speaker 5: to see this through. So you know, it has been 283 00:12:47,040 --> 00:12:50,360 Speaker 5: a challenge. But again I understand Zach. I love Zach, 284 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:54,480 Speaker 5: and he's just so desperate for success that you know, 285 00:12:55,360 --> 00:12:56,959 Speaker 5: he wears his heart on his sleeve and he goes 286 00:12:57,000 --> 00:13:01,280 Speaker 5: through these these these moments. But our position is he's 287 00:13:01,280 --> 00:13:04,720 Speaker 5: our captain. He's contracted for two years, We've adjusted his 288 00:13:04,800 --> 00:13:07,880 Speaker 5: contract to reflect his performance, and we expect him to see. 289 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:10,280 Speaker 1: It through it does Can can he be captain? 290 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:11,280 Speaker 3: Then? 291 00:13:11,559 --> 00:13:14,000 Speaker 5: Of course he can be captain because the thing about 292 00:13:14,280 --> 00:13:17,720 Speaker 5: no one's perfect, you know, and and I talk about 293 00:13:17,880 --> 00:13:20,239 Speaker 5: there are a lot of players that I think are geniuses, 294 00:13:20,280 --> 00:13:22,400 Speaker 5: but there are a lot of flawed geniuses too. No 295 00:13:22,480 --> 00:13:25,760 Speaker 5: one's perfect, and I don't think anyone's captains he's perfect. 296 00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:29,400 Speaker 5: Anyone's coaching ability is perfect. It's a it's a learning 297 00:13:29,440 --> 00:13:32,160 Speaker 5: process and so of course he can be captain. 298 00:13:32,600 --> 00:13:33,719 Speaker 4: But will will it. 299 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:36,760 Speaker 5: Be a challenge based on this situation? Absolutely it will be. 300 00:13:36,880 --> 00:13:39,080 Speaker 5: But I've seen him have become bigger challenges than this. 301 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:42,760 Speaker 2: I'm going to push you on it because effectively you 302 00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:43,880 Speaker 2: could be holding. 303 00:13:43,600 --> 00:13:44,440 Speaker 3: Him against his will. 304 00:13:44,440 --> 00:13:46,920 Speaker 2: You're going to say no, no, you start, you're contracted, 305 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:50,280 Speaker 2: so the captain, dry black and white. You're holding the 306 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:53,040 Speaker 2: player against his will. I've got to say, I'm finding 307 00:13:53,080 --> 00:13:54,440 Speaker 2: it hard for him then to be a leader of 308 00:13:54,440 --> 00:13:55,000 Speaker 2: foota club. 309 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:57,360 Speaker 4: Yeah, I don't. I don't see it that way. 310 00:13:57,800 --> 00:14:02,200 Speaker 5: He made a commitment play and a lot of agents 311 00:14:02,640 --> 00:14:05,360 Speaker 5: are running at the moment with just sign long term 312 00:14:05,360 --> 00:14:07,480 Speaker 5: contracts and if you want to move or move you well, 313 00:14:07,760 --> 00:14:09,720 Speaker 5: that's not the world I live in. The world I 314 00:14:09,760 --> 00:14:11,760 Speaker 5: live in is you make a commitment and you see 315 00:14:11,800 --> 00:14:12,120 Speaker 5: it through. 316 00:14:12,280 --> 00:14:14,880 Speaker 3: Are you disappointed? It's got to this in him? I 317 00:14:14,920 --> 00:14:15,720 Speaker 3: know you love him. 318 00:14:15,960 --> 00:14:17,720 Speaker 2: You say you love him, the player say you love him, 319 00:14:17,720 --> 00:14:20,640 Speaker 2: to the point where it's yet he's still is exploring. 320 00:14:20,800 --> 00:14:21,760 Speaker 3: Is that disappoint you? 321 00:14:21,880 --> 00:14:23,520 Speaker 4: Yeah, well, I know it's probably too. 322 00:14:24,160 --> 00:14:27,000 Speaker 5: It's not a great analogy because you know your family's 323 00:14:27,040 --> 00:14:30,600 Speaker 5: your family, but you know your players know they feel 324 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:34,160 Speaker 5: like s a good family, and in a way I 325 00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:36,720 Speaker 5: treat them like I treat my kids, and my kids 326 00:14:36,720 --> 00:14:40,480 Speaker 5: make mistakes all the time. I'm still their father and 327 00:14:40,520 --> 00:14:43,000 Speaker 5: I'm still his coach, and my job is to lead 328 00:14:43,040 --> 00:14:47,560 Speaker 5: the club and to have Zach by my side helping 329 00:14:47,720 --> 00:14:50,400 Speaker 5: us through this difficult time is really important, is. 330 00:14:50,320 --> 00:14:56,880 Speaker 3: What Sam Mitchell's doing? Fair? Reasonable? Oh well, it angered you. 331 00:14:58,080 --> 00:15:00,680 Speaker 4: I think the world's changing. You know, there would there 332 00:15:00,760 --> 00:15:01,280 Speaker 4: be a time and. 333 00:15:01,280 --> 00:15:04,720 Speaker 5: A place in which I'd be, you know, pretty disappointed. 334 00:15:04,720 --> 00:15:07,000 Speaker 5: But the reality is now the gloves are off and 335 00:15:07,040 --> 00:15:10,320 Speaker 5: all fair, all's fair and love war, and that's the 336 00:15:10,360 --> 00:15:11,440 Speaker 5: path they want to go down. 337 00:15:11,520 --> 00:15:13,880 Speaker 4: Then you know we'll play it that game to So 338 00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:14,840 Speaker 4: you've spoken. 339 00:15:15,080 --> 00:15:16,360 Speaker 1: Have you spoken to Zach today? 340 00:15:16,880 --> 00:15:18,520 Speaker 5: Not today, but I spoke to him yesterday. I speake 341 00:15:18,560 --> 00:15:19,440 Speaker 5: to him most every day. 342 00:15:19,720 --> 00:15:22,640 Speaker 1: But in the aftermath of this is the implication is 343 00:15:22,680 --> 00:15:24,680 Speaker 1: he's made a mistake. But what if he doesn't see 344 00:15:24,680 --> 00:15:26,720 Speaker 1: it that way when you talk to him next. What 345 00:15:26,800 --> 00:15:29,640 Speaker 1: if he said, I'm eyes wide open here and I'm done. 346 00:15:30,080 --> 00:15:31,840 Speaker 1: I've got no energy left for it, Brad. 347 00:15:32,160 --> 00:15:36,000 Speaker 5: But the board's position is that he's a contracted captain. 348 00:15:36,120 --> 00:15:38,960 Speaker 5: He made a commitment, and I support that position. 349 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:44,880 Speaker 2: Your relationship with your senior players. So yeah, if bad 350 00:15:44,920 --> 00:15:48,040 Speaker 2: wants out, if Draper wants to change, if Ridley wants out, 351 00:15:48,080 --> 00:15:49,720 Speaker 2: is that in question? 352 00:15:49,840 --> 00:15:51,440 Speaker 3: Now do you sit there and look at that or not? 353 00:15:52,240 --> 00:15:52,760 Speaker 4: No? 354 00:15:53,320 --> 00:15:55,560 Speaker 5: There For a start, I mean, my relationship with Zach 355 00:15:55,680 --> 00:15:59,720 Speaker 5: is very good, so you know, and he's spoken publicly 356 00:15:59,720 --> 00:16:05,560 Speaker 5: to that. So regardless of what happens, that will never change. Draper, 357 00:16:06,480 --> 00:16:09,120 Speaker 5: I think, is a completely different situation. For a start, 358 00:16:09,160 --> 00:16:13,760 Speaker 5: He's an uncontracted free agent who over the last ten 359 00:16:13,840 --> 00:16:20,920 Speaker 5: years has had an ACL, a PCL, chronic roin hip problems, now. 360 00:16:20,760 --> 00:16:21,760 Speaker 4: A ruptured achilles. 361 00:16:22,560 --> 00:16:26,960 Speaker 5: He's never played more than fifteen games in any single season. 362 00:16:28,720 --> 00:16:31,560 Speaker 5: I don't think we can begrudge him for being mentally 363 00:16:31,680 --> 00:16:35,280 Speaker 5: and physically exhausted and feeling like he needs, in his words. 364 00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:36,160 Speaker 4: A fresh start. 365 00:16:36,600 --> 00:16:40,480 Speaker 5: So the fact that he's waited until September to make 366 00:16:40,480 --> 00:16:43,520 Speaker 5: a decision that he was so torn to make talks 367 00:16:43,560 --> 00:16:45,320 Speaker 5: to that it wasn't easy. 368 00:16:45,840 --> 00:16:46,960 Speaker 4: He didn't want just went out. 369 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:51,040 Speaker 5: He was, as I said, mentally and physically exhausted and 370 00:16:51,120 --> 00:16:52,480 Speaker 5: in a difficult spot. 371 00:16:52,520 --> 00:16:53,480 Speaker 4: And he's made a. 372 00:16:53,440 --> 00:16:58,400 Speaker 5: Decision that the competition now supports in terms of free agency. 373 00:16:58,840 --> 00:17:01,640 Speaker 3: And Ridley and Lavert and those players. 374 00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:06,800 Speaker 5: Yeah, Ridley, I was a lot of players I was 375 00:17:06,840 --> 00:17:08,800 Speaker 5: excited to coach when I came to Essendon. Jordan was 376 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:12,520 Speaker 5: one of those. Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to 377 00:17:12,600 --> 00:17:14,879 Speaker 5: do that. I mean, he just not only is he 378 00:17:14,960 --> 00:17:18,200 Speaker 5: not played, he hasn't trained. So you know, we we 379 00:17:18,720 --> 00:17:23,240 Speaker 5: have made significant changes to our high performance team. The 380 00:17:23,280 --> 00:17:26,679 Speaker 5: appointment of Matt Inness is a coup for us, you know, 381 00:17:26,680 --> 00:17:31,520 Speaker 5: as someone that we hold in extremely high regard. You know, 382 00:17:31,560 --> 00:17:34,520 Speaker 5: we've made another appointment in our high performance area. So 383 00:17:34,640 --> 00:17:38,680 Speaker 5: we've revamped that space. And again I would expect someone 384 00:17:38,680 --> 00:17:41,680 Speaker 5: of Jordan Ridley's talent and capability to be frustrated with 385 00:17:41,720 --> 00:17:42,720 Speaker 5: the last couple of years. 386 00:17:43,440 --> 00:17:44,879 Speaker 4: But again we. 387 00:17:44,760 --> 00:17:48,960 Speaker 5: Went back felt he was under remunerated for the level 388 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:52,560 Speaker 5: of capability and talent that he has and we recontracted 389 00:17:52,640 --> 00:17:55,760 Speaker 5: him for another four years, so we made the commitment 390 00:17:55,760 --> 00:17:58,240 Speaker 5: to him and he'll be seeing out his four years 391 00:17:58,240 --> 00:17:58,560 Speaker 5: with us. 392 00:17:59,200 --> 00:18:02,359 Speaker 1: How significant has the list strategy changed from so you 393 00:18:02,400 --> 00:18:05,359 Speaker 1: took the job in September twenty twenty two to where 394 00:18:05,359 --> 00:18:06,639 Speaker 1: we sit here now. 395 00:18:08,320 --> 00:18:10,440 Speaker 5: I think it always changes and evolves. I mean, there's 396 00:18:10,440 --> 00:18:12,359 Speaker 5: always a plan. Every club's got a plan, but it 397 00:18:14,240 --> 00:18:18,400 Speaker 5: changes based on acquisitions, players who go, players or inform, 398 00:18:18,640 --> 00:18:19,440 Speaker 5: all of those things. 399 00:18:19,480 --> 00:18:23,440 Speaker 4: But I think I have a bias to. 400 00:18:23,520 --> 00:18:27,520 Speaker 5: Build, to want to build, and our position in the 401 00:18:27,600 --> 00:18:30,880 Speaker 5: draft this year reflects that we've got at this stage 402 00:18:30,960 --> 00:18:35,120 Speaker 5: four picks inside twenty five, so our position is that 403 00:18:35,359 --> 00:18:38,280 Speaker 5: we're already I think, one of the youngest and most 404 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:41,440 Speaker 5: inexperienced lists in the competition, which again speaks to Zach. 405 00:18:41,920 --> 00:18:43,560 Speaker 5: He loves the talent, but is it going to get 406 00:18:43,560 --> 00:18:45,800 Speaker 5: there quickly enough for him? And I think that's a 407 00:18:45,880 --> 00:18:50,840 Speaker 5: valid question for him. But the simple answer is, Jared, 408 00:18:50,840 --> 00:18:52,840 Speaker 5: it hasn't changed that much. It's evolved a little bit, 409 00:18:52,880 --> 00:18:55,840 Speaker 5: but clearly we need to keep investing in elite talent 410 00:18:56,280 --> 00:18:59,120 Speaker 5: and the only way you can or the easiest way 411 00:18:59,119 --> 00:19:00,879 Speaker 5: to bring an elite talent is through the draft, and 412 00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:01,720 Speaker 5: that's what we're targeting. 413 00:19:02,000 --> 00:19:04,560 Speaker 1: You're going to be closer to ground zero in year 414 00:19:04,600 --> 00:19:07,239 Speaker 1: four though than you would have forecast, Aren't it Like 415 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:11,160 Speaker 1: this is the moment of gathering the elite talent out 416 00:19:11,160 --> 00:19:13,640 Speaker 1: of the draft and that's a long road to hoe. 417 00:19:13,960 --> 00:19:19,359 Speaker 5: Yeah, and it's a very difficult road too. But again 418 00:19:19,400 --> 00:19:22,240 Speaker 5: I was I was on a no illusion as to 419 00:19:22,280 --> 00:19:28,560 Speaker 5: the challenge that this job presented, and I've never been 420 00:19:28,600 --> 00:19:31,119 Speaker 5: more up for it. And if you look at this 421 00:19:31,240 --> 00:19:34,000 Speaker 5: year has been really difficult with injuries, but that the 422 00:19:34,080 --> 00:19:36,399 Speaker 5: silver lining to the injuries has been the exposure of 423 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:38,480 Speaker 5: young players that are going to be very good players 424 00:19:38,520 --> 00:19:40,840 Speaker 5: for us and for a long period of time. So yes, 425 00:19:40,920 --> 00:19:44,200 Speaker 5: it'll be a challenge for us, but we started the 426 00:19:44,240 --> 00:19:47,800 Speaker 5: year six and four. I've got enormous faith in the 427 00:19:48,119 --> 00:19:52,359 Speaker 5: players on our list, and we'll keep investing and building it. 428 00:19:52,440 --> 00:19:55,080 Speaker 5: And as I said at the start, the thing about 429 00:19:55,080 --> 00:19:58,480 Speaker 5: success is it's the effort you put into it, and 430 00:19:58,520 --> 00:20:01,359 Speaker 5: that reward for effort that gives you the satisfaction, not 431 00:20:01,440 --> 00:20:02,080 Speaker 5: just the outcome. 432 00:20:02,400 --> 00:20:04,399 Speaker 3: Is there any part of this that can turbo charge 433 00:20:04,480 --> 00:20:06,240 Speaker 3: you want to build? You go back to the draft. 434 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:09,119 Speaker 2: Decisions that you make here can give you another bigger 435 00:20:09,160 --> 00:20:10,040 Speaker 2: hand in this draft. 436 00:20:10,440 --> 00:20:10,600 Speaker 4: Yeah. 437 00:20:10,640 --> 00:20:14,240 Speaker 5: I mean again that these things are a whole of 438 00:20:14,320 --> 00:20:20,800 Speaker 5: club decisions. But you know, Zack, aside Jordan's contracted, he 439 00:20:20,840 --> 00:20:23,479 Speaker 5: will not be traded under any circumstances. But I mean 440 00:20:23,480 --> 00:20:27,080 Speaker 5: the reality is Sam's exercises free agency rights, so there 441 00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:29,879 Speaker 5: will be compensation for that. So yeah, it certainly does 442 00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:32,720 Speaker 5: add to what's already four picks inside twenty. 443 00:20:32,560 --> 00:20:36,320 Speaker 2: Five, do you yes? And faithful that we will be 444 00:20:36,320 --> 00:20:37,200 Speaker 2: watching and listening. 445 00:20:37,280 --> 00:20:41,239 Speaker 3: So what is the overwhelming message or underline message you 446 00:20:41,280 --> 00:20:43,439 Speaker 3: want to leave them with? Tonight? They would still be 447 00:20:43,440 --> 00:20:45,640 Speaker 3: sitting here going I know, I love. 448 00:20:45,480 --> 00:20:47,359 Speaker 2: That you've fronted up, and I love that you're answering 449 00:20:47,400 --> 00:20:49,360 Speaker 2: the questions, but the bottom line is the question mark 450 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:52,439 Speaker 2: remains over Zach Merridale clearly our best player. 451 00:20:52,840 --> 00:20:56,160 Speaker 5: Yeah, and I think that the reasons for Zack going 452 00:20:56,240 --> 00:20:59,600 Speaker 5: through this process is that he's so hungry for success. 453 00:20:59,640 --> 00:21:01,800 Speaker 4: And you know, his question is will this. 454 00:21:01,880 --> 00:21:04,000 Speaker 5: Elite young talent mature in time for him to be 455 00:21:04,040 --> 00:21:07,840 Speaker 5: part of it? But that leading is difficult, you know, 456 00:21:08,280 --> 00:21:11,600 Speaker 5: coaching is difficult. Being a captain and accepting that responsibility 457 00:21:11,720 --> 00:21:12,439 Speaker 5: is difficult. 458 00:21:12,920 --> 00:21:14,520 Speaker 4: But the thing that I've. 459 00:21:14,320 --> 00:21:16,960 Speaker 5: Observed at Essendon and our club's been through some really 460 00:21:17,000 --> 00:21:17,840 Speaker 5: difficult times. 461 00:21:18,200 --> 00:21:19,280 Speaker 4: They keep fronting up. 462 00:21:19,520 --> 00:21:24,680 Speaker 5: They're frustrated, bordering on angry, but they stick with us. 463 00:21:24,920 --> 00:21:28,440 Speaker 5: And I think it's other clubs are jealous of Essence 464 00:21:28,480 --> 00:21:31,679 Speaker 5: supporters because what they've been through other clubs might capitulate. 465 00:21:31,880 --> 00:21:32,840 Speaker 4: Our club will still be. 466 00:21:32,800 --> 00:21:35,440 Speaker 5: Here in another one hundred and fifty years, and they'll 467 00:21:35,440 --> 00:21:37,879 Speaker 5: stick with us, and they'll see through the vision and 468 00:21:38,119 --> 00:21:41,320 Speaker 5: we'll go through some short term difficulties, but it will make 469 00:21:41,359 --> 00:21:42,400 Speaker 5: it all worthwhile in the end. 470 00:21:42,640 --> 00:21:45,080 Speaker 1: Do you need Zac to stay publicly and to look 471 00:21:45,119 --> 00:21:47,119 Speaker 1: you in the eye and say I'll be with you 472 00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:48,480 Speaker 1: come October? 473 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:49,200 Speaker 4: Yeah? 474 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:52,399 Speaker 5: I think this will play out all in time. I mean, 475 00:21:53,080 --> 00:21:57,199 Speaker 5: I'd also add that Zach Merritt was exhausted by the 476 00:21:57,240 --> 00:21:57,800 Speaker 5: end of the year. 477 00:21:58,320 --> 00:21:59,000 Speaker 4: He broke his hand. 478 00:21:59,040 --> 00:22:01,560 Speaker 5: Could have easily said this no point coming back. He 479 00:22:01,600 --> 00:22:06,240 Speaker 5: played under duress. He is in so many ways such 480 00:22:06,280 --> 00:22:09,239 Speaker 5: an incredible on field leader. He needs a break, he 481 00:22:09,280 --> 00:22:11,879 Speaker 5: needs a rest, and I don't begrudge him spending some 482 00:22:11,920 --> 00:22:14,160 Speaker 5: time with his family and letting me do the talking 483 00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:14,960 Speaker 5: at the moment. 484 00:22:15,359 --> 00:22:18,800 Speaker 1: Brad, we appreciate your fronting up. Yep, right, thanks Essendon 485 00:22:18,880 --> 00:22:21,840 Speaker 1: coach Brad Scott with us on a tumultuous night for 486 00:22:21,880 --> 00:22:25,480 Speaker 1: the Footy Club. Our pairing, our favorite pairing about to 487 00:22:25,560 --> 00:22:27,720 Speaker 1: join us. They know a lot about this time of year. 488 00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:31,320 Speaker 1: Adam Simpson and John Lonmire with the dynamics of semi 489 00:22:31,400 --> 00:22:34,560 Speaker 1: final weekends and what they learned watching the first week 490 00:22:34,560 --> 00:22:35,240 Speaker 1: of finals.