Essendon captain Zach Merrett has fronted media on the Brownlow Medal red carpet, saying he feels "shame" amid plans to exit the club.

As the Bombers' best player, Merrett was required to attend Monday night's Brownlow function at Crown despite wanting to move to Hawthorn.

The 29-year-old stopped for waiting media on the red carpet, speaking for the first time since it became public he was desperate to leave the Bombers after 12 seasons.

Merrett gave several interviews, saying he felt "a bit of shame" and hated upsetting the Bombers fans.

"The Bombers fans are the best in the competition," he told the Seven Network.

"There's still things I need to work on to see where I end up.

"It's a bit of a shame at the moment, I am not there to upset fans, I appreciate them dearly."

Merrett sai

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