Essendon star Zach Merrett has confirmed he is open to extending his tenure with the Bombers, but has stopped short of guaranteeing his long-term future at Windy Hill.

The Victorian downplayed any notions of tension upon his return to Essendon in pre-season, or over the presence of Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell on Victoria’s coaching staff.

AFL.com reported last week the 30-year-old was open to a contract extension at Essendon after a trade to Hawthorn fell through and there had been preliminary talks between his management and the Bombers about an extension beyond the his current deal, which expires in 2027.

Merrett said his full focus this week was on helping Victoria beat WA, but discussions with Essendon were in their infancy.

“It’s something that was briefly spoken about through the last few months, clearly not something I’m thinking about these few days, being away with Victoria, but something that will be ongoing,” he said.

“I need to get back and play really good footy and make sure I continue to show up and be a good player for the footy club, and I’m sure those things will take care of themselves in due course.”

But having stepped down as captain in the wake of his failed move to the Hawks, the 30 year-old was eager to stress he was hearing out the club, more so than pursuing a contract extension at this point.

“I wouldn’t say considering (it) yet. There’s some openness to listen, as there always is, when you’re on your back nine of your career.

“You always open with what that could look like but nothing has progressed outside of a very preliminary chat.”

Mitchell was part of an aggressive pitch to recruit Merrett in the off-season, but the six-time Essendon fairest-and-best winner said the Hawthorn’s coach role in Victoria’s Origin preparations did not present a conflict of interest.

“Not at all. Doesn’t affect good or bad. He’s another coach. Having Chris (Scott) there as a head coach is someone I’m really keen to learn off as much as I can within these two or three days,” he said.

Merrett expressed his satisfaction with the Bombers’ off-season, which has included a new chief executive and revamped fitness department.

“I’m still contracted for two years, so I still very much feel they’re in charge of my career moving forward. The way we’ve shifted and evolved and compounded some really good decisions in the pre-season, off-season, look really pleasing,” he said.

He denied any strains in relationships at the club, particularly with teammates Mason Redman and Nic Martin after they both publicly expressed disappointment in his decision to seek a trade.

“I wouldn’t say there was strained relationships. No doubt there’s a bit of awkwardness just to start with, given what we went through those three months but to Mason and Nick’s credit, we had dinner before we went back to make sure we’re on the same page,” he said.

“I feel pretty comfortable walking back into the club. I get the the outside noise, and people having opinions what I should do with my life.

“But I knew that (returning to Essendon) was a really live possibility, and probably a high percentage chance I was going to be going back.”

Merrett said being in the eye of the media storm was a tough experience.

“It’s an ever-evolving space, the trade period and the way the game is going, it’s going to evolve more and more moving forward. Hopefully when that does happen for other players moving forward, we aren’t as critical of that player,” he said.

“The media there, 99 per cent is incredible and is a great part of our ecosystem and supports the game in an incredible way. There’s one per cent that isn’t so nice but we get paid extremely well, we get to live out our dream, and those T’s and C’s of media come with that.”