Alexandra Merrett, wife of Essendon star Zach Merrett, has come under fire for a TikTok post made during her husband’s team’s defeat to the Western Bulldogs on Sunday evening.
While the game was still in progress, Alexandra shared a video from the Melbourne eatery Gimlet, suggesting she had exited Marvel Stadium due to the poor showing by the Bombers.
“When your husband’s team is losing by 50 points at half-time, so you head to Gimlet instead,” she wrote, cheekily adding the caption, “whoops.”
Zach Merrett’s wife left the game at half time, joking about it on TikTok. Getty
In the clip, she enjoys a glass of wine while reflecting on her team’s half-time deficit. Remarkably, the Bombers rallied in the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs with eight goals to four despite finishing 34 points adrift.
Former Carlton captain Sam Docherty opined that the social media activity isn’t beneficial for anyone associated with the club, particularly given the existing rift between the Merretts and Bombers supporters.
Earlier this season, Merrett sought to leave the club during the trade period, expressing a desire to join Hawthorn.
While no Essendon captain has previously requested a trade to the Hawks, the club refused three first-round picks to retain him.
Following this, Merrett stepped down from the captaincy and continued his career at Essendon, a team struggling with a dismal streak of 17 consecutive losses extending back to May 2025.
Zach Merrett and Andrew McGrath of the Bombers. AFL Photos via Getty Images
New Essendon captain Andrew McGrath commented that he wasn’t aware of Alexandra’s post but affirmed that everyone at the club deserves a life beyond footy.
“I wasn’t privy to it. Honestly, I don’t have strong feelings on it. What individuals do in their private lives is their choice. We all acknowledge that Zach is completely committed to what we are aiming to achieve. He’s as driven as I’ve ever seen,” McGrath shared with 3AW.
“His second half performance last night truly reflects his mindset and his ambitions for this club. His intensity and connection with the team are commendable.”
Docherty, however, took a more critical stance on the matter.
“Ultimately, it’s not aiding Zach’s relationship with the fans,” Docherty commented on 3AW after McGrath’s remarks.
“The distractions are evident; it’s the nature of modern life, but is sharing that worth the scrutiny your husband will face? I don’t think so.”
The former All-Australian defender expressed that had his partner shared something similar during his playing career, he would not have been pleased.
Zach Merrett of the Bombers is celebrated by his wife Alexandra and son Jude during his 250th game. Getty
“I wouldn’t have been delighted with that. The media already has such a keen eye on AFL, and this kind of distraction is unnecessary,” he remarked.
Docherty believes such public criticism can lead to “fractures” within the team dynamics.
“It would surely be noticed internally by players and their partners,” Docherty continued. “Everyone would be aware of it. There’s likely a segment feeling frustrated with how the year has begun, while others might think, ‘Did you really need to add fuel to the fire?’”
“These types of distractions can create divides off the field. It’s crucial to have everyone aligned in the same direction, especially when times are tough. Players need to focus on performance without unnecessary interference.”
Richmond legend Matthew Richardson added his thoughts, asserting that he wouldn’t welcome such a situation either.
“If I were in that position, I wouldn’t want my partner posting something like that,” Richardson stated. “While we all understand Zach’s background, things are different now. The way social media operates today is not like it was during my playing days.”
Zach Merrett of the Bombers with wife Alexandra Merrett at the 2025 Brownlow Medal. Getty
“It’s a tricky situation. You don’t want unwanted attention, but each individual has their own way of expressing themselves these days.”
Despite the ongoing losing streak, Merrett’s trade request, and growing pressure on coach Brad Scott, McGrath reassured that the club is united.
“We recognise the road we’re on. We are an evolving football team with many talented youngsters yet to gel,” he said. “It’s crucial to continue developing. We recognise how competitive the league is, and even a rough start can feel overwhelming. However, our club’s leadership is commendable in keeping things on track.”
Essendon is set to face off against the in-form Melbourne in round five at the Adelaide Oval during Gather Round.
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
