Excited about the prospect of his former side landing one of the best midfielders in the competition, AFL icon Lance 'Buddy' Franklin has weighed in on the Zach Merrett drama unfolding at Essendon.
Merrett is rumoured to be set on joining Hawthorn in the upcoming trade period, with the Bombers' captain's situation at Tullamarine beginning to border on untenable.
It's left many at Windy Hill, including teammates, frustrated with the situation currently unfolding with the side's skipper, with Franklin understanding of the thoughts of some of the playing group.
Speaking on The Buddy & Shane Show, Franklin said his teammates have a right to be feeling angry.
MORE: 'Disappointment, anger' Merrett trade saga taking an emotional toll on Essendon says Mcgrath
"The thing for me is it's different if he didn't have a contract. He obviously worked through the contract last year... he signed up, now he wants out? I think as a player, if you're playing for Essendon and your captain's doing that, you'd be pretty pi**ed off," he said.
"There's big decisions for Essendon to make here. Do they tell him to walk and go to Hawthorn or go to another club? That's up to them to make that decision, but it's a big one. It's a big one for the club.
"I think if your captain's saying 'I want out,' and being genuine, and meeting with an opposition club. For me, I'd be like 'Well, if you want to leave, leave.'
"If that's your captain doing it, there's no point having someone that doesn't want to be there."
But a Hawks man at heart, Buddy is also hopeful his former club will be able to poach one of the best players in the competition from their rivals.
"Hawthorn have pounced, so fingers crossed they can get it done. It'd be nice to get him to the Hawks."
Franklin is no stranger to blockbuster moves himself, having departed Hawthorn for Sydney at the end of 2013.
Several Essendon players have been vocal on how they feel about Merrett exploring a move away from the Bombers.
Last week, Mason Redman expressed "disappointment" in his captain, while Nic Martin admitted he felt "angry."
Meanwhile, coach Brad Scott said he expects his captain to remain committed to the club, and maintained he will not be traded.