Andy McGrath has only captained Essendon for one match but he can already see how difficult it has been for Zach Merrett to lead the struggling Dons.

That second-quarter surge from Hawthorn proved crucial, with Sam Mitchell’s men repeatedly punishing Essendon turnovers and cutting through the Bombers’ defensive structure like a hot knife through butter. McGrath said the match highlighted the inconsistencies that can come with an…












