Trade discussions surrounding Essendon skipper Zach Merrett are expected to intensify early next week, with his management acting as the key link between the Bombers and Hawthorn amid a tense stand-off.
Despite four days remaining in the exchange window, there have been “no official discussions” between the two clubs, according to the Herald Sun’s Glenn McFarlane.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s Trading Day, McFarlane revealed that Merrett’s agent Tom Petroro is “acting as the conduit, at the moment, between the two clubs — trying to bring them together to the table.”
A complex pick trade could unlock deal
McFarlane confirmed the situation was “tense” and said negotiations would “drag into next week”, but stressed that it would take a “compelling offer” for Hawthorn to land Essendon’s captain. Fellow Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark added that a series of pick swaps could hold the key to breaking the deadlock.
“It doesn’t seem like a player is going to shake out as part of this, from everything we can tell from Hawthorn,” Clark explained. “So, what Essendon is going to need is two top-12 picks (from a deal), I reckon, to be able to sell it to its membership, to lose its captain.”
Clark suggested the outcome of the Charlie Curnow trade could influence Merrett’s move, as potential pick exchanges between Sydney and Carlton might give the Hawks the draft assets they need to strike.
Former Hawthorn forward Ben Dixon believes Essendon should consider such a scenario if two top-12 selections were on the table, while McFarlane compared Merrett’s situation to the long-running speculation surrounding Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver, hinting it could resurface in 12 months if unresolved.