Essendon icon James Hird has publicly defended Zach Merrett and his wife, Alexandra, following backlash from a TikTok video she shared during the Bombers’ recent match against the Bulldogs. In the video, posted while the team was struggling—trailing by 50 points at halftime—Alexandra implied she had left the game early to enjoy dinner at a restaurant, adding a cheeky “whoops” in the caption. The post has since been removed.
The Bombers battled but ultimately lost the game, finishing 34 points behind. Reactions to Alexandra’s post have been mixed. While former Blues captain Sam Docherty disapproved, indicating it was unhelpful for Zach and the club’s image, current Bombers captain Andrew McGrath supported individual freedom outside of football.
Hird expressed frustration over the “Merrett bashing,” stating, “He’s been the best player they’ve had this year,” and praised Alexandra’s defence of her husband amid the criticism. Hird urged fans to let the couple live their lives, addressing the scrutiny they face.
Panel member Eddie McGuire suggested Alexandra could have expressed her feelings differently, to which Hird replied that her approach might have been her way of coping. Fellow panellist Rory Sloane commented that he would not mind if his partner left a game during a poor performance.
Zach Merrett had recently requested a trade to Hawthorn but remained with Essendon after the club refused enticing offers. He has also stepped down as captain amid a challenging period for the Bombers, who are currently facing a 17-game losing streak. McGrath reinforced this sentiment, asserting that the squad is focused on improvement and unity, regardless of external distractions.
Docherty highlighted the potential divisive impact of Alexandra’s post, suggesting it could create fractures among players and their partners. He asserted that maintaining a collective front is essential, especially during tough times.
Richmond legend Matthew Richardson echoed concerns about the implications of such public expressions during challenging periods. Despite the challenges, McGrath reassured that the club is tackling issues head-on and remains committed to progressing together.
Essendon has a pivotal match lined up against Melbourne in Round 5, emphasized as a key opportunity for the team to regroup and regain focus.