Hawthorn have given Essendon until 7 pm to respond to their formal offer for captain Zach Merrett, or risk the deal being taken off the table altogether.
The deadline, communicated in an email to Bombers officials on Tuesday, marks a decisive move from the Hawks as the trade window nears its conclusion.
The proposed package includes Pick 9, a 2026 first-round selection, a second-round pick in either 2025 or 2026, and either a future fourth or young midfielder Henry Hustwaite.
Hawthorn believe their bid is “fair and reasonable,” according to The Age, which reported the email was sent to Essendon list manager Matt Rosa, coach Brad Scott and club president Andrew Welsh.
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Hawks ready to move on if Bombers stall
While the Hawks are open to tweaking parts of the deal that don’t involve their first-round picks, they are prepared to redirect Pick 9 elsewhere should Essendon fail to engage before the 7 pm cut-off.
The Age noted Hawthorn will “begin talks with rival clubs about Pick 9 after 7 pm” if there’s no progress.
Earlier reports from Nine’s Tom Morris revealed the initial offer included Pick 9, a future first-round pick, a second-round pick and Hustwaite, with AFL Media later confirming Essendon’s blunt reply: “our position has not changed.”