Merrett steps aside as Roos assistant coach

FORMER Essendon midfielder/half forward Jackson Merrett has stood down as assistant coach of East Point, citing personal reasons.

The 33-year-old, who joined East Point in 2022, has not played since breaking his arm in the club’s round 6 win over Lake Wendouree.

It was the first of three straight wins for the Roos following a 0-5 start to the 2026 season.

Merrett’s injury was expected to sideline him until at the least the end of the season.

His decision to step back from his assistant coaching duties was announced by the club in the lead-up to last Saturday’s clash against Sunbury at Clarke Oval.

“East Point Football Netball Club wishes to advise our members, players, families and supporters that senior assistant coach Jackson Merrett has made the decision to step back from his coaching duties for the remainder of the 2026 season,” the statement read.

“After more than 23 years of commitment to football, Jackson has chosen to take some time to focus on his family and personal wellbeing.

“Coaching at any level requires an enormous commitment and we fully support Jackson’s decision to prioritise his family and personal circumstances at this time.

“We thank Jackson for his dedication, leadership and contribution to our club and football program for the past five years. His passion, knowledge and commitment have had a significant impact on many people within the East Point community.

“On behalf of everyone at East Point, we wish Jackson, Liv, Willa, Alby and their families the very best.”

Since joining the Roos, Merrett has played 73 games and kicked 50 goals.

He served as coach in 2023 before the appointment of current coach Joe Carmody, who led the Roos to a grand final appearance against Melton in his first year at the helm in 2024.

Carmody earlier this season informed the club this would be his last at the helm, citing a serious family illness that will require ongoing treatment as the reason for the decision.

Meanwhile, the Roos only narrowly missed out on making it four straight wins in a nine-point loss to Sunbury at Clarke Oval last Saturday.

Despite leading by two points at half-time and three-quarter-time, the Roos were unable to hold out the Lions, who booted two goals to nil in the final term to prevail.

Jacob Brown booted four goals and Sam Lucas three to give East Point a shot at an upset.

Deng Lual, Jack Jeffrey (29 possessions), Cooper Glenwright-McGuane, Joe Dodd, Jesse Cairns and Joe Fraser all figured prominently in a solid performance by the Roos.

“Sunbury’s ball movement was too polished for us at times,” coach Carmody said.

“We did a lot right but not for long enough.

“We are improving but still have plenty to work on.”

The Roos will take on ladder leaders Sebastopol at Eastern Oval this Saturday.