Essendon captain Zach Merrett spotted training on enemy turf after rejected trade

Zach Merrett may not have been granted his trade request, but that has not stopped him from stepping onto the training grounds of Essendon's rivals.

The Bombers captain was spotted training at Arden Street on Monday, with a number of North Melbourne players also seen preparing for next season at the same facility.

Those Kangaroos players were doing their own training away from Merrett, although he was seen doing some light work with Gold Coast recruit Christian Petracca.

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A video posted to North Melbourne's social media account on Monday afternoon showed Merrett and Petracca shaking hands.

The clip comes less than one week after Merrett's trade request fell through.

The 30-year-old was desperate to find a fresh start at Hawthorn in 2026, but no matter what deal was presented to the Dons for his talent, it was denied.

Essendon great Matthew Lloyd called for the club to explain why their star player wanted out in the first place, although admitted he understood why they also would not want to let Merrett go so easily.

Still, Lloyd noted that it will be a great challenge for Merrett to return to the club that he "has emotionally withdrawn himself from".

But Lloyd is not the only former player that is concerned by the situation that is set to unfold at Essendon when their team returns for pre-season training.

Kane Cornes believes Merrett will be under immense pressure to perform in 2026.

"He has blown the club up," Cornes said on SEN.

"He's tried to single-handedly blow the joint up as a captain. He needs to come back and play well, not sook it up after what he has put the club through.

"He'd want to come back with a smile on his face on day one of pre-season. He has to train like he always has - with high standards - and still be a leader around the footy club.

"After everything he has put that club through, he needs to perform well ... for the betterment of himself.

"All eyes will be on Zach Merrett and his performance this year."