EXCLUSIVE: Essendon captain Zach Merrett meets with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell in bombshell trade talks
Essendon captain Zach Merrett met with Hawthorn on Tuesday night as he explores avenues out of the club.
9News and Wide World of Sports can exclusively reveal that Merrett and his manager Tom Petroro from TGI Sport caught up with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell and football boss Rob McCartney at a private residence to discuss what a future would look like with Merrett in brown and gold.
The 29-year-old is yet to make his intentions clear to Essendon, though a contracted skipper meeting with an arch rival is the surest sign yet that the five-time best and fairest winner is eager for a fresh start.
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Zach Merrett. Getty
Hawthorn has not committed to Merrett, rather the exploration of opportunities elsewhere is being pushed by the Merrett camp.
It has included contact with other clubs, such as the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.
Merrett has two years remaining on his contract at Essendon, which means the Bombers hold the whip hand when it comes to any trade discussions.
It's understood Merrett's primary motivation for exploring a trade relates to his desire to play finals and win a premiership.
His relationship with Brad Scott has remained strong and there is no ill feeling towards the club from a historical perspective or a medical perspective, as there is with Jordan Ridley, who wants to get to Brisbane.
Zach Merrett of the Bombers looks dejected after a loss. AFL Photos via Getty Images
9News reported on Tuesday night that Essendon's board had determined that their star midfielder would not be traded under any circumstances at a scheduled catch-up on Monday.
But Hawthorn may dangle the carrot of at least one first round draft pick to tempt Essendon into a discussion which could lead to a bombshell trade.
Merrett is the second captain Mitchell has caught up with this year, following his meeting with West Coast's Oscar Allen earlier in the season.
The Hawks play a final in two days and the club declined to comment when contacted on Wednesday morning.
