Zach Merrett, new captain of the Essendon Football Club has become a major focal point in Trade Talk. As the AFL trade period now plays out, attention will be largely focused on him. His agent, Tom Petroro, told the Herald-Sun that Merrett wants to play for the Hawthorn Hawks. Such enthusiasm exists even with Essendon’s hardline position on the trading of their six-time best and fairest clearly stated. This twisting drama, marked by constant twists and spins, has kept fans and analysts spellbound for the last six weeks.
Hawthorn has gone big by officially submitting a meaty trade offer to Essendon. In return for Merrett, they are offering one first round pick, two second-round picks and player Henry Hustwaite. Essendon officials flatly knocked back the proposal, no doubt continuing to insist that Merrett will not be going anywhere. This rejection piles another layer of complexity on top of a credit and market environment that has become increasingly uncertain.
There’s no doubt Merrett wants to be a Hawk. He hasn’t explicitly declared that he plans to exit Essendon. His recent appearances at high-profile events—such as the Brownlow Medal and Essendon’s best and fairest ceremony—have only fueled speculation about his future. Though he remains committed to the Cats club, sources close to the player say he is extremely keen to facilitate a move to Hawthorn.
Read this statement in mind of how rare this trades’ conversations are, specifically for somebody of Merrett’s age and league service.
“The reality is, I have never seen a deal like this for a 30-year-old.” – Tom Petroro
As the trade period goes on, it’s questionable if Essendon changes its position. The club have no intention to allow their captain to leave. Idolization aside, they can’t ignore the increasing clamor from fans and analysts alike regarding Merrett’s future. The landscape remains fluid and many questions remain.
Other than the Merrett business, a number of trades have gone down in the last few days. Specifically, not much value as yet for Ollie Florent who was traded for a future third-round pick. None have been as widely reported and discussed as Merrett’s rumoured impending move to Hawthorn.
In addition to the Merrett situation, other trades have taken place during this period, including Ollie Florent being swapped for a future third-round pick. However, none have garnered as much attention as Merrett’s potential transfer to Hawthorn.
