Hawthorn president Andy Gowers has defended the club’s decision to pull out of trade talks for Zach Merrett, describing Essendon’s demands as excessive.
The Hawks were willing to part with two first-round picks, a future first, and midfielder Henry Hustwaite, but the Bombers wanted four first-rounders and a second-round selection.
The deal collapsed in the final hour of the trade period, forcing Merrett to remain at Essendon, where he is now expected to lose the captaincy. Gowers admitted the club was disappointed by the failed pursuit but said there was no justification for agreeing to the Bombers’ terms.
‘You are not going to give away the farm’
“He [Rob McCartney] said accepting that offer would have been ridiculous, so we didn’t,” Gowers said on Tuesday. “You are not going to give away the farm. In the end, the deal wasn’t able to be done. That’s life, we get on with it. We look forward to the pre-season and the season ahead.”
Gowers added that while the Hawks had made “bold plans”, their focus remained on building sustainable success rather than short-term gains. “We want sustained success. We don’t want to be a one-year wonder,” he said.
Club legend Jason Dunstall echoed that sentiment, pointing out that a friendly deal between Hawthorn and Essendon was never likely, given their long-standing rivalry. “You can’t sell your soul,” Dunstall said. “We did everything we possibly could. I think Zach did everything he possibly could… but once the new president came in, there was no chance of getting a deal done.”
Despite missing out on Merrett, Gowers remained upbeat about the club’s prospects, pointing to the return of star midfielder Will Day as a key boost for next season.