<h2>Andrew McGrath Named Essendon Captain, Replacing Zach Merrett for 2026 - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Andrew McGrath appointed Essendon captain for the 2026 season, replacing Zach Merrett, who stepped down after a failed Hawthorn trade attempt</p> <p>- Former No.1 draft pick McGrathwas&nbsp; elevated from the vice-captain role he held since 2023, earning overwhelming support from players and coaches</p> <p>- Leadership group reshuffle sees Sam Durham, Jye Caldwell and Brayden Fiorini added while Merrett drops out of formal leadership roles</p> <p>Andrew McGrath has been named Essendon's new captain for the 2026 AFL season, taking over from Zach Merrett at The Hangar.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>McGrath Steps Into Top Job</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 27-year-old defender's appointment marks the end of Merrett's three-year captaincy stint, which concluded after the midfielder's failed trade request to Hawthorn late last year. McGrath, who served as vice-captain since 2023, received unanimous backing from both the playing group and coaching staff for the leadership role.</p> <p>Bombers football manager Daniel McPherson praised McGrath's elevation, highlighting the overwhelming support he garnered within the club.&nbsp;</p> <p>"The overwhelming approval from the playing group and coaching staff in naming Andy as our new captain tells the story in itself," McPherson said. "This is a well-deserved achievement and a fitting honour for someone who's frequently set the example of exactly what an Essendon person should be."</p> <p>The former No.1 draft pick from 2016 brings extensive experience to the captaincy, having played over 150 games for the Bombers since his debut. His leadership qualities were recognised when he was initially appointed to the vice-captaincy role, positioning him as the natural successor to Merrett.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Leadership Group Overhaul</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Essendon's leadership restructure extends beyond the captaincy change, with significant alterations to the broader leadership group for 2026.&nbsp;</p> <p>While Kyle Langford, Mason Redman and Nic Martin retain their positions from the previous season, three new faces have joined the leadership ranks.</p> <p>Midfielders Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell earn their first leadership roles, reflecting their growing influence within the squad. Former Gold Coast recruit Brayden Fiorini also receives recognition after an impressive pre-season transition to his new club.</p> <p>McPherson expressed confidence in the leadership group's composition, emphasising the blend of experience and fresh perspectives.&nbsp;</p> <p>"It is great for Kyle, Mase and Nic to continue in their leadership roles, and it highlights their growth as leaders," he noted. "We're also rapt to have Jye, Sam and Brayden to round out our leadership group this year."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Merrett's Leadership Legacy</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Despite stepping down as captain, Zach Merrett's contribution to Essendon's leadership structure over recent seasons earned praise from club officials.&nbsp;</p> <p>The six-time Crichton Medal winner led the Bombers through a challenging period, though his failed trade request to Hawthorn ultimately influenced his decision to relinquish the captaincy.</p> <p>McPherson acknowledged Merrett's service while confirming he won't hold a formal leadership position in 2026. "Zach was consistently outstanding in his service as captain and did himself proud.&nbsp;</p> <p>Although he won't be in a formal role this season, he remains an integral person for our players to look up to and learn from," he explained.</p> <p>The leadership changes coincide with broader organisational shifts at Essendon, with CEO Craig Vozzo announcing his resignation to relocate closer to family in South Australia. These developments mark a significant transition period for the Bombers as they prepare for the upcoming AFL season under McGrath's captaincy.</p>