Brad Scott wanted Essendon to trade Zach Merrett, confirms Harley Reid offer

Former Essendon coach Brad Scott has disclosed that he advocated for trading player Zach Merrett to Hawthorn last summer. Scott, who was recently sacked by the club, also confirmed that Essendon had contemplated a significant contract offer for West Coast's Harley Reid.

“

I didn't think he was being selfish. He had been promised things over and over again, and he was at his wits' end.

In his first interview since his dismissal, Scott suggested Essendon remains a couple of years away from becoming a competitive finals team. He acknowledged that his sacking, while a surprise, was understandable given the team's poor performance and the resulting pressure. The decision to retain Merrett, despite Scott's view that he should have been allowed to leave, was reportedly driven by Essendon's president, Andrew Welsh.

“

My view was we should let him go.

Scott explained his reasoning for wanting Merrett traded, stating the player had been repeatedly promised things and was at his wit's end. "My view was we should let him go," Scott said, believing it was the right move for both Merrett and the club. Merrett is expected to seek an exit again at the end of the current season.

“

It's the right thing for him, and it's the right thing for the club.

Adding to the club's turmoil, former Essendon coach James Hird confirmed his interest in returning to the coaching position. "If I am the best man for the job, yes, I would love to do that job," Hird told Nine's Footy Classified. Meanwhile, Essendon president Andrew Welsh remains firm that the club "won't be pushed around," despite the team's struggles.

“

If I am the best man for the job, yes, I would love to do that job.