The 'nuclear scenario' Zach Merrett must employ to escape Essendon
If Zach Merrett is truly desperate to leave Essendon, the nuclear option is the only way forward.
He cannot nicely ask for a trade or politely request a move. He must demand - either via words or actions - that he wants out.
That nuclear scenario is inching closer by the day.
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So far his actions have done the talking. As revealed by 9News and WWOS on Wednesday morning, he met with Sam Mitchell this week as part of his exploration away from Tullamarine.
Zach Merrett of the Bombers is congratulated on his 250th game. Getty
For a contracted captain to catch up with a rival coach at a private residence is one thing. To do so three days out from a semi-final is another altogether. It's brazen, but I'm here for it.
It speaks to how keen the Hawks are to add A-Grade polish to their midfield, and how serious the 29-year-old is about a change of scene.
Mitchell's wife Lyndall played a crucial role in convincing Josh Battle and his partner Casey to join the Hawks family in 2024, and she was equally involved on Tuesday night with Merrett's partner Alexandra.
We shouldn't be surprised by now, this is Hawthorn's modus operandi. They chase hard, all in the unashamed pursuit of improvement. For them, it's not just about convincing the player, it's about welcoming the family onboard.
Essendon's next move is fascinating. Brad Scott will speak on AFL 360 tonight, while CEO Craig Vozzo will be on SEN on Thursday morning. Both suspected Merrett wanted out, but neither had been told categorically this was the case before he met with Hawthorn.
Brad Scott, Essendon coach. Getty
The Bombers' best course of action is to flatly reject any notion of a trade, but privately explore various scenarios, safe in the knowledge they can walk away at any time. They should also spitball clubs other than Hawthorn, in order to get the best deal.
It didn't serve Melbourne well holding onto Christian Petracca or Clayton Oliver this year, and it won't serve Essendon holding onto Merrett for 2026.
The Bombers hold the whip hand in any negotiation. They must demand at least two first round picks.
Merrett's manager, Tom Petroro from TGI Sports, is close to Vozzo. He will be key in first opening Essendon's mind to the possibility of a trade, before eventually brokering one with a rival club.
The player agent is a conduit in trade discussions. Some are more involved than others. Petroro will know this is a daunting task, but nothing he hasn't faced before.
And let's be frank, Hawthorn is the clear frontrunner. The Western Bulldogs and Collingwood have been alert to the Merrett play for weeks, but the Hawks are yet again first out of the blocks.
Merrett's value is difficult to gauge.
On one hand, Only Marcus Bontempelli has played more games than Merrett from the 2013 draft. Those who have played alongside him say he prepares as meticulously as Scott Pendlebury.
Sam Mitchell chatting to James Worpel. AFL Photos via Getty Images
While 400 games might be a stretch, he could easily eclipse 350 and then some.
But how many matches he plays may depend on the level of success he achieves, given Pendlebury has played in 15 finals to Merrett's four in the span of the Essendon skipper's career.
And make no mistake, it's success and success only which Merrett craves. This is not a cash grab. The Hawks wouldn't break the bank to bring him in, though they would surely add two or more years onto his deal, which would take him through to at least 2029.
On the other hand, not many players who are 30 - no matter how durable - warrant two first rounders, and certainly not two high level first rounders.
The captain of Essendon - who is contracted - presents an additional tax Hawthorn will need to navigate.
The Dons should play hardball, they should be frustrated, and they may as well be resolute for the time being.
But if Merrett comes out and says he's desperate to leave, then they will have no choice but to play ball.
The nuclear option is alive and well.
