Zach Merrett, surprise, surprise, has declared he wants out. Now he has made an official request trade to Hawthorn. This decision follows the club’s not-so cordial initial meeting between Merrett and important Essendon powerbrokers, which according to head coach Brad Scott. The incident laid the ground for an escalation of tension between the two clubs, and a lack of communication completely worsened the situation.
At an Essendon members meeting earlier this week, Merrett reportedly told the club’s CEO Brad Scott that he wants to leave the Bombers. What started as a productive, honest dialogue has devolved into an embarrassing public dispute that has laid bare the tenuous and fragile relationship between the Bombers and the Hawks. Neither club is perfect, but they’re both working their way through this difficult moment in time. Hawthorn is getting pretty annoyed too at Essendon’s silence on their various trade proposals.
Hawthorn has reportedly tabled several offers to get Merrett. These are highlighted by their No. 9 draft pick this year and a future first-round selection. On top of that, they gave up a second-rounder, either this year or next. But these offers have apparently not been enough for Essendon, claiming that they have not affected Merrett’s decision to go.
“The gloves are most definitely off,” said Sam Edmund, in a now-famous quote that typifies the growing rancor over this potential trade deal. Hawthorn’s leadership, particularly incoming president Andrew Welsh, remains optimistic about securing Merrett’s services. Welsh has been adamant on numerous occasions that Merrett will be at Essendon next year, even in the face of the current trade request.
The relationship between Hawthorn and Essendon has become irrevocably poisoned over this affair. During the fallout, Hawthorn officials have lashed Essendon for acting like spoilt children. Or, they are mad that Essendon has completely avoided any real conversations about making a trade work. This complete breakdown in communication has further annoyed Hawthorn’s administration to the point of rage.
The negotiations are still in progress. Merrett’s future at Essendon may ultimately lie in the club’s willingness to reconsider their stance. According to sources close to the situation, Essendon would need to pull off an “almighty backflip” to retain Merrett. This demand comes on the heels of Merrett dropping a trade request into the Freedom Controversy Machine. It’s unclear still how this will shake out considering both clubs are wedged into their own cul de sac.
While Hawthorn remains hopeful, their leadership has begun to question whether Welsh is prioritizing his personal views over the best interests of the club. Unfortunately, the failure to end this continuing standoff has set a toxic stage for both sides as they try to maneuver through this high-pressure chess match.
