Essendon are trying to deliver on club great Matthew Lloyd's demand for a "tougher, nastier brand" of football, according to new skipper Zach Merrett.
Speaking at his first ever captains' day to launch the 2023 AFL season, Merrett, who took over from long-time skipper Dyson Heppell, said he had no issue with Lloyd's scathing comments.
The Bombers legend said the time for excuses was up and players needed to be mentally and physically tougher.