AFL News: Merrett out of Dons captains function, Dees’ brutal Steven May call, Pies make Bobby Hill decision for prelim

Essendon captain Zach Merrett has been scratched from a planned Bombers captains function just days before his scheduled appearance, amid the skipper’s controversial attempted exit from the club.

Merrett’s future has dominated discussion in recent weeks, with the five-time best and fairest winner desperate to secure a trade to Hawthorn and relationships between the captain, his teammates and the Bombers in general strained to breaking point.

The 29-year old is seen as unlikely to attend th...