Merrett weighs – Zach Merrett is again weighing up his future at Essendon, with rival clubs—led by Hawthorn—believing he could seek a trade at season’s end after last year’s failed move to Hawthorn. Essendon faces fresh pressure heading into Friday night’s Dreamtime match with
Zach Merrett is once again weighing up whether his future sits away from Essendon, with rival clubs increasingly convinced the former captain could seek a trade at the end of the season after last year’s push to join Hawthorn failed to land.
Merrett explored leaving Tullamarine at the end of last season. but the move did not materialise despite serious interest from Hawthorn and a late play from Melbourne.. On Sunday. Merrett collected 26 disposals. yet he wasn’t at his influential best in the 43-point drubbing by Fremantle. a result that has added to the heat around coach Brad Scott.
The Bombers head into Friday night’s Dreamtime match against an injury-ravaged Richmond in an unenviable position. needing to win soundly to avoid another wave of scrutiny.. Scott delivered a spray to his players after an uncompetitive first quarter against the Dockers. describing on AFL 360 the performance as “as animated and direct as I have been in my coaching career”.. Despite the criticism, he remains unwavering in his commitment to the club’s long-term strategy.
Industry sources familiar with the situation believe the 30-year-old Merrett has told people close to him that he is again open to leaving Essendon at season’s end. with frustration growing over the club’s position.. Any talks between Merrett’s management and Essendon about a possible contract extension—reported earlier in the season—have been moved to the backburner.
Essendon, Merrett and his management were contacted for comment.
Hawthorn are still interested in Merrett. according to a source familiar with the Hawks’ thinking. and are not willing to speak publicly about list matters.. The Hawks remain convinced Merrett would be the “perfect. experienced addition” to their emerging core and are expected to aggressively revisit their pursuit if the 29-year-old formally opens the door to another move.
Last year, Hawthorn offered two first-round picks, a second-round pick and fringe midfielder Henry Hustwaite. That offer was rejected by new president Andrew Welsh, who took control of the situation midway through the trade period.
During the closing stages of last year’s trade period. Melbourne launched what one industry figure described as a “late throw at the stumps” for Merrett. exploring whether a deal could be pulled together if talks with Hawthorn stalled.. At the time. then Melbourne chief executive Paul Guerra—an Essendon supporter and admirer of Merrett—believed the Demons were a chance of entering the trade scenario late in the piece. with Christian Petracca’s name raised as potentially heading the other way.. Petracca ultimately found a new home at the Gold Coast.
Melbourne’s interest is likely to intensify given their revival under new coach Steven King. with the Demons having the financial flexibility to mount a major play for elite talent.. The mix of premiership potential and significant salary cap space is shaping as an attractive proposition for Merrett if he decides his future lies away from Essendon.
Any switch would still be complicated by contract terms: Merrett is contracted until the end of 2027. meaning Essendon would hold leverage in negotiations.. Merrett—who relinquished the captaincy and changed managers after last year’s trade attempt—continues to perform at an elite level and is widely viewed as one of the AFL’s most consistent midfielders for his running power. leadership qualities and ability to impact both inside and outside contest.
Losing a player of Merrett’s calibre would be another major blow for a club still working to overcome years of instability. He has been one of the few constants through coaching changes, false dawns and external scrutiny.
Welsh told this masthead last month the Bombers had taken on Merrett’s suggestions about the club after the failed trade. while also declaring his backing for Scott.. Speaking after Gather Round—when Essendon posted their only win of the season so far. over Melbourne—Welsh said. “At this stage. all the metrics that we’re following and the work that Brad’s doing with the playing group. we see no reason why he’s not going to be our next premiership coach.”
Of Merrett. Welsh added: “We didn’t want to back out of our strategy of what was best for the club. and that was to keep Zach and listen to Zach around the areas that we needed to work on as a club. which we did …. and he’s seen those changes have been made already. he’s in the best frame of mind. he’s performing really well.”
But there is also a growing acknowledgement among rival clubs that Merrett’s patience may be wearing thin as the latter stages of his career come into sharper focus.
The tightening picture for Essendon is built from repeating pressure points: last season’s trade attempt that failed to materialise is followed by Merrett exploring another exit again. while Essendon simultaneously faces immediate scrutiny after Sunday’s 43-point loss and a demand for a strong result against Richmond on Friday night.
Zach Merrett Essendon Hawthorn trade AFL Brad Scott Richmond Dreamtime Andrew Welsh