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September 23, 2025 — 9.21am
Essendon president David Barham has announced he will stand down, amid off-field drama over the playing future of captain Zach Merrett.
Barham said in an email to members on Tuesday morning that he would hand the presidency to former Bomber and vice-president Andrew Welsh.
Essendon president David Barham is standing down.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“I have given my all over the past three and a half years and tackled every challenge with everything that I have. I took my responsibility to fight for and defend our club, its players, coaches and administrators extremely seriously,” Barham said.
“I’m proud of what we have achieved in transforming the club and making the hard decisions to set it up for long-term, sustained success. I have no doubt we are now on the right track, and I leave excited about the future.”
Barham attended the Brownlow Medal on Monday night where Merrett addressed his future for the first time since it was revealed he had met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell.
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Merrett has not requested a trade but has not committed to returning to the Bombers.
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