Nicholas Martin Biography

Zach Merrett says he had dinner with teammates Mason Redman and Nic Martin to clear the air before returning to the club.

Both senior Bombers had publicly expressed their disappointment and anger with interviews in the media at the contracted Merrett's request to move to Hawthorn last Trade Period.

The deal fell through in the dramatic final minutes of deadline day, and Merrett is contracted at the Bombers for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, returning to the club and giving up the captaincy.

"I wouldn't say [relationships] were strained. I think they, in a weird way, were really keen to keep me and wanted to play with me. So I wouldn't say there was strained relationships," Merrett said.

"I think, no doubt was a bit of awkwardness, just to start with, given that we went through those three months. But to Mason and Nic's credit, we had dinner before we went back to make sure that we're on the same page, and I could be clear with what I went through and what they went through so from day one we were all back on the same page and ready to get cracking in the preseason."

Nic Martin will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after scans confirmed an ACL injury that was sustained during the Bombers' clash against Richmond.

"In times of adversity you build a bit of resilience. As tough as it is, I'm really optimistic about what we can build post-this and the adversity the boys face will see them for the long term," Martin said.

"All you can do is take one day at a time and just get better."

Nic Martin wins the 2025 Yiooken Trophy for being best on ground in Friday night's Dreamtime at the 'G match against Richmond.

A move to half-back has seen Nic Martin's game excel in 2024 while Essendon reaps the rewards.

"Never played a minute down back in my life during juniors," Martin told AFL.com.au.

"When the message was floated during pre-season about me possibly playing half-back, I had a little bit of a giggle.

"But it was serious, so I got to work in the pre-season and I'm trying to build every week and improve."

Nic Martin signs a two-year contract extension with Essendon to remain at the club until the end of 2024.

Nicholas Martin makes his AFL debut for Essendon at the MCG with 27 disposals (17 kicks and 10 handballs), 10 marks and 5 goals in a 66-point loss to Geelong.

Essendon finalizes its list for 2022 by signing Tex Wanganeen and Nick Martin via the pre-season supplemental period.

"Tex is a product of our James Hird Academy and it is a credit to our wider list management team and the program’s purpose to continue aiding the development of these young players. In his short time with the club, Nick has displayed hunger, professionalism and dedication to take his game to another level and seize the opportunity in front of him," Bombers list manager Adrian Dodoro said.