Fevola has explained his version of events to the AFL over a nude photo of Lara Bingle which ended up in Woman’s Day.
But he hasn’t been required to explain anything to his teammates, and Merrett says it’s business as usual at the Gabba.
“He [Fevola] trained well this morning,” Merrett said. “He’s playing this weekend so I don’t see it as a big distraction to the team.
“It’s probably a great thing about Fev, that once he gets on the footy field, that’s kind of his domain and he leaves all that stuff off the field.”
After Fevola was dropped from a TV commercial to promote the Lions' opening two games of the season, his teammates are preparing to rally around him.
“You’re always going to look after your teammates so all we’ll try and do is not let it distract us,” Merrett said.
“I think it would be difficult (for Fevola) in the circumstances about what’s going on at home but he hasn’t shown it around training at all. From what I’ve seen he’s been doing everything right.”
Fevola is expected to take his place at full forward for Saturday’s clash with Geelong at Visy Park.
The Lions will take in a side close to full strength with Simon Black, Josh Drummond, Jed Adcock, Daniel Rich, Matthew Leuenberger, Brent Staker and Merrett all returning to the team.
Luke Power will be given another week off as he recovers from a groin injury.
“It will be nice to get a few boys back and get the full squad out there so we can start working on the game plan and the structures and getting everything in the right spots and start working towards round one,” Merrett said.
Saturday’s game is the Lions third interstate flight in four weeks after the match had to be switched from a sodden Southport.
The week-long downpour in Queensland has also affected training, with Thursday’s morning session held on hockey grounds in Brisbane.
“Our main skills sessions have been disturbed but it has also given us a chance to run through a few of our set plays,” Merrett said.
“A lot more walk throughs and setting up structures so it has given us one positive that we’ve been able to do that in the conditions we’ve had.”
The Lions have lost their opening two pre season games to the Bulldogs at Manuka Oval by eight points and Carlton at Visy Park by 13 points.
