A Shaky Start for Essendon in the 2026 AFL Season
The 2026 AFL season has been a nightmare for Essendon, with the club facing a series of losses that have left fans and players alike in shock. The struggles have become even more public as the wife of former captain Zach Merrett, Alexandra Merrett, has found herself at the center of controversy after mocking the club on social media.
Zach Merrett’s attempt to leave Essendon during the off-season was widely reported, with the club refusing to grant him a release to join Hawthorn. This decision has since led to a difficult start for the Bombers, who have not won a single game so far this season. Footy analyst Kane Cornes has criticized Merrett and other players, suggesting they are “giving up” on the team.
Essendon has become a subject of memes among AFL fans, with jokes about how long it has been since the club last won a finals match. This trend shows no signs of stopping, as the team continues to suffer one loss after another.
A Controversial Social Media Post
Alexandra Merrett drew attention when she left an Essendon vs. Bulldogs match at halftime and headed to a popular Melbourne restaurant called Gimlet. She posted a TikTok video captioned “When your husband’s team is losing by 50 points at half time so you go to gimlet instead.” The post quickly went viral, but it also sparked backlash from football legends Matthew Richardson and Sam Docherty.
Richardson expressed his disapproval, stating that such content would add pressure to her husband. He said, “It’s not something I would like out of my partner if I was in that situation.” Docherty added that the post could harm Merrett’s relationship with fans and the club. He questioned whether the video was worth the scrutiny that Merrett would face.
Fans also responded to the post, with some joking about the team’s performance. One comment read, “But that second half! You lowkey missed out girl, we finally won.” Another wrote, “Look what happens when you leave,” while a third said, “Go back GF! We’ve got some fight back in us.”
Fashion and Criticism
In another TikTok video, Alexandra showcased her game-day outfit, which included clothing from brands like UNIQLO, Deering, and Le Specs. While the post itself was harmless, the comments were harsh, with some fans questioning the purpose of dressing up if she was going to leave the game early.
One follower asked, “What’s the point of doing this if you leave by half time?” referring to her visit to Gimlet. Another user shared a doctored image of Alexandra wearing a Hawthorn guernsey, a nod to her husband’s failed move to the Hawks. Despite the criticism, she did not respond to most of the comments, except for one that suggested working with Essendon’s merchandise team to create something more appealing.
A Long Losing Streak
Essendon suffered their 17th consecutive loss in a 34-point defeat against the Western Bulldogs. The team now faces Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday. This run of poor performance echoes the 2016 season, when the club faced suspensions due to a supplements scandal. The current losing streak also includes last season’s 13-game stretch, which was plagued by injuries.
Coach Brad Scott acknowledged the challenges the team is facing, saying, “It’s just a fact that can’t be argued.” He emphasized the need for leaders to keep the group motivated despite the setbacks. “They need to perform on-field,” he added.
As the season continues, Essendon will need to find a way to turn things around, both on and off the field. The pressure is mounting, and the path to redemption looks increasingly difficult.
