Hawthorn’s opening offer for Zach Merrett has been rebuffed by Essendon, setting up another difficult trade negotiation between the AFL rivals over the decorated midfielder.
The Hawks have put forward picks 15 and 25 in this year’s draft, along with either a second- or third-round selection in a future draft. Essendon has indicated the package is not enough to secure the former captain’s release, according to industry sources familiar with the discussions.
The impasse emerged as Merrett collected his seventh Crichton Medal at Essendon’s best-and-fairest dinner in Melbourne on Thursday night. He finished ahead of Sam Durham, with Archie Roberts third.
Merrett, who turns 31 on Saturday, has now matched club greats Bill Hutchison and Dick Reynolds for the most best-and-fairest awards in Essendon’s 154-year history. He also claimed his fourth consecutive McCracken Medal, voted for by his team-mates in recognition of the player who best represents the club’s on-field values.
Despite his achievements, Merrett remains determined to join Hawthorn, while the Hawks have retained their interest after failing to prise him away last year. Essendon, meanwhile, is expected to demand a more substantial package before agreeing to part with one of its most distinguished modern players.
Hawthorn and Essendon face another Merrett standoff
The clubs came close to an agreement 12 months ago, when Hawthorn made a late offer comprising picks 10 and 22, a future first-round selection and midfielder Henry Hustwaite. Essendon refused to accept the proposal.
Merrett subsequently surrendered the captaincy but returned for another season, despite often being used out of position in an Essendon side that finished last with two wins. His wish to move to Hawthorn, however, remained unchanged.
The latest offer gives the clubs a starting point for further negotiations, with both sides privately appearing more confident of reaching an agreement than they were last year. Hawthorn is keen to resolve the matter early in the trade period, which officially opens on Monday.
The Hawks are also pursuing restricted free agent Ben King from Gold Coast. The Suns could accept compensation, but may instead match Hawthorn’s offer and force a trade, potentially leaving the club to manage two complicated deals at once.
Essendon president Andrew Welsh acknowledged the club’s difficult season at the Crichton Medal dinner and praised the appointments of new coach Mark McVeigh and football figure John Longmire. McVeigh said the club would make “strong decisions” and “bold decisions”, including some that might not prove popular, with the interests of Essendon taking priority.
