Essendon captain Zach Merrett has reportedly met with Hawthorn, while two Essendon legends have urged the Bombers and Merrett to come together and put trade discussions 'to bed'.
Merrett, who has been captain since 2023, has reportedly felt 'disillusioned' with the club after the Bombers finished in 15th position on the ladder.
The Bombers captain reportedly met with Hawthorn on Tuesday night to discuss a potential move to them, according to journalist Tom Morris.
Merrett is contracted until the end of the 2027 season and hasn't won a final in his 251 games at the club, while the Bombers have famously not won a final since 2004.
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Essendon great Tim Watson said that Merrett can end discussions around his future if he comes out and speaks about them.
“I think this whole thing can be put to bed within the next 24 hours,” Watson said on SEN Breakfast.
“But if we do not hear from Zach Merrett within the next 24 hours, I think he needs to come out, alongside the club, and say, ‘This is what I want to do, I want to stay at Essendon’.
“He has now got the power to close it all down once and for all.”
Fellow Essendon great James Hird said that Essendon can't trade Merrett due to the potential damage to the club if he leaves.
“I imagine they are doing that (discussing potential trade packages) but if I’m the board I’m saying ‘there’s no way’,” he said on Footy Classified.
“The brand damage and the damage on the club is huge, and on the field, which is the most important thing.
“The club has got to stand still and say: ‘we’re going to give you the environment where you can be a part of success’.”