Bitter saga ends as Merrett secures trade with $4 million deal
Former Essendon captain Zach Merrett has finally secured his much-desired trade to Hawthorn, landing at the Hawks on a lucrative four-year deal 12 months after the Bombers refused to let him go.
The Bombers confirmed in a statement on the first day of the trade period that they had agreed to send Merrett to the Hawks in exchange for picks 15 and 25 in this year’s draft, as well as Hawthorn’s 2028 second-round pick.
Zach Merrett during his decorated time at Essendon. Getty Images
Merrett, 31, has landed at Hawthorn on a four-year deal worth $4 million, which includes a trigger for a fifth season, according to afl.com.au’s Cal Twomey.
The deal between the bitter arch-rivals ends an ugly trade saga, but the Bombers were classy with the statement they released confirming Merrett’s exit.
“Zach Merrett is a champion of our football club,” chief executive Tim Roberts said.
“It’s always hard to see a player of Zach’s standing leave, but it doesn’t take away from what he achieved here, or the pride he gave our members and supporters over 13 seasons. Zach set the bar for what it takes to be an elite footballer.
“His preparation, his consistency and his refusal to accept anything less than his best became the standard others were measured against, and the work he did guiding our younger players in recent years will benefit this club for a long time.”
The Essendon statement said Merrett was “leaving a legacy as one of the club’s greatest players of the 21st century”.
It also hailed him as “the defining Bomber of his generation”.
Merrett played 274 games for Essendon after being drafted to the club via pick 26 in the 2013 draft.
The triple All-Australian claimed a record-equalling seventh best and fairest at the Bombers’ end-of-season awards night last week.
“When people look back on this era of Essendon, Zach’s name will be one of the first they mention,” Roberts said.
"We thank Zach for everything he has given Essendon. We wish him, his partner Alexandra and son Jude all the best, and they'll always be welcome at our club.”
In Hawthorn’s statement, list boss Mark McKenzie said: “Zach has long been celebrated as one of the most elite midfielders in the AFL and he will play a key role in our side for many years to come.”
Merrett’s move was the biggest talking point of day one of the trade period.
Scott Pendlebury’s move from Collingwood to Gold Coast was also confirmed, while Jesse Hogan has been traded from the Giants to the Magpies.
