Zach Merrett has praised James Hird as a mentor, while steering clear of the speculation around Essendon's now-vacant AFL senior coach role.
The former Essendon captain spoke of his sadness on Tuesday night after the sacking of coach Brad Scott.
He would not be drawn on what that means for his playing future, given he unsuccessfuly sought a move to Hawthorn in last year's trade period.
Hird coached him in 2015, early in Merrett's career, before he left the role.
Including Scott's replacement Dean Solomon and other interim appointments, Merrett now has had nine senior coaches since his 2014 debut.
Earlier on Tuesday, Essendon president Andrew Welsh did not rule out Hird's possible return.
"I can only go off our relationship. It's very strong," Merrett said of Hird.
