Essendon president David Barham has announced he will stand down, amid off-field drama over the playing future of captain Zach Merrett.

Barham said in a letter to members on Tuesday morning that he would hand the presidency to vice-president and former Bomber Andrew Welsh.

“I have given my all over the past three and a half years and tackled every challenge with everything that I have. I took my responsibility to fight for and defend our club, its players, coaches and administrators extremely seriously,” Barham said.

“I’m proud of what we have achieved in transforming the club and making the hard decisions to set it up for long-term, sustained success. I have no doubt we are now on the right track, and I leave excited about the future.”

Barham attended the Brownlow Medal on Monday nigh

See Full Page