Essendon are “really worried” about the Zach Merrett situation as a “very keen” Hawthorn continue to circle amid their AFL finals run, according to Channel 7’s Caroline Wilson.
The Bombers’ latest disappointing season has been thrust back into the spotlight with reports Merrett left a meeting with club hierarchy less than impressed with the direction.
The 29-year-old is under contract until the end of 2027, giving Essendon the ability to shut down any talk about trading their skipper.
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It might just be a different story behind the scenes.
“I think Essendon are really worried about this,” Wilson said on The Agenda Setters.
“They continue to say there is absolutely no way that they’re going to trade their captain and they will not entertain a trade for their captain.
“I think it’s really bad for Essendon’s brand that it’s got out that their captain has been talking about his discontentment with mentors and other people.
“And there is no doubt in my mind that the Hawthorn Football Club are looking very keenly and have been for five or six weeks.”
Craig Hutchison noted the Bombers’ stance would be tested if Merrett went public with a desire to leave.
“It’s a very hard thing to unwind,” he said.
“And you know what? It’s going to be really bruising and uncomfortable for them. They fear the look of this and the optics and the public side of it. But they will get overpaid for this transaction.
“If they can have the courage to do it, they can get overpaid significantly in this transaction. They’ve already got two picks inside the top 10 this year.”
St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt believes the courage rests with Merrett, suggesting it would be impossible for Essendon to keep him against his will.
“They’ve got the security of a contract,” Hutchy replied.
“So they can turn it into a two first-round picks plus something scenario for a 29 (or about to be) 30-year-old who’s not realistically or probably not going to play in the next premiership. He may.
“But I think they’ve got an opportunity here to embrace the uncomfortableness of it and keep resetting this list like Richmond and Hawthorn have done.”
Wilson agreed with Kane Cornes’ perspective that it is “so bad” for the Essendon “brand”.
“It would be so damaging for the captain to lose faith in the goal he’s set upon with Brad Scott,” Wilson said.
Hutchison responded: “You know what’s worse for the brand? There’s a captain that stays that doesn’t want to be there every 12 months.”
Riewoldt agreed but Cornes was optimistic that the clouds will clear.
“We’ve seen players request a trade and clubs have said no, you’re not going anywhere and it actually works out fine. They will be fine,” Cornes said.
“You can’t let the standard-setter (leave). Usually I’d be with you on this, but Merrett’s different. He’s the one that drives culture at the footy club. He’s the professional. He’s crucial. He’ll play till he’s 37.
“I would not (trade him). They’ve got enough picks. Why do they need more? He’s contracted, he’s signed a long-term deal and keep him to it. They don’t need more picks.”
Riewoldt replied: “That’s the trouble though. He’s the standard-setter and he’s calling out the standards of his own football club.”
Meanwhile, Essendon have confirmed injured ruckman Sam Draper will leave the club.
He is set to join Brisbane as a free agent.
“I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been part of my journey at Essendon Football Club. Pulling on the red and black has been such a huge honour and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to represent such a proud club,” Draper said in a club statement.
“To my teammates, you are like brothers to me and the reason why I love coming to work every day. To the supporters, you have shown so much love to me, and I have really felt that. Seeing people wearing the No.2 and kids growing mullets to be like me is something I will never forget.
“Personally, the last few years haven’t been easy with all the injuries I’ve sustained. This has taken a toll on me both mentally and physically, and I’ve had to make a very hard decision for what’s best for me moving forward and I feel it’s the right time for a fresh start.
“Essendon will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll carry the memories, friendships and lessons with me wherever I go. Thank you again for all the love and support it has meant the world.”
Star defender Jordan Ridley has also reportedly discussed the prospect of a trade and has already been linked with the Lions.
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