Essendon coach Brad Scott has thrown his support behind Zach Merrett and expressed the Bombers’ love for their under-fire captain as he eyes a move to Hawthorn .

The Bombers were blindsided when news broke that Merrett had met with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell just over three weeks ago.

Essendon have been adamant they won’t let their captain, who is contracted until the end of 2027, leave the club.

There had been suggestions Merrett could skip Thursday night’s club best-and-fairest event altogether, which would have humiliated the embattled Bombers, given he is expected to claim a sixth Crichton Medal.

But he was present with his wife Alexandra when Scott spoke to the room on Thursday night, including paying tribute to his skipper.

“Zach had another exceptional year and I know I spea

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