Recommitted Zach Merrett [UFA 2027] - Wanted a trade to Hawthorn, but it didn't get done

[Lore]

There we go, that's the clip:

 

[Elixuh]

Why are you even here? Just to be a stain?

I’m just commenting on the current state of play.

You were so chipper a week or two ago. Where’s that chipper attitude gone? Don’t get too down on things.

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

Fair enough if bombers knock the trade back. But Hawks can't force a player to accept to go to Essendon. Your captain and best player wants out for a reason. Players just don't want to go there right now.

If we push Lewis there, he picks up the phone and just tells his manager find me somewhere better. So we end up dealing with say Pies or Dees over a pick.

It's naive to think 'gloves off' bombers haven't tried to use all that cap $$ to try flesh a player out of Hawks. You should be questioning your footy operations (well Welsh I guess is all things) if not.

I don’t want Lewis. I’m talking about the 2027 F1 to go with Pick 9, Pick 31 and the 2026 F1. We’ll give a 3rd or 4th rounder in return if you need it.

 

[jannissary]

Still going with that line (excuse the pun)

hawks say they've been ringing, essendon said they weren't being rung.

one club's lying, not sure who, not sure it matters at the end of the day!

 

[Falchoon]

Is Merrett a top 20 player in the comp?

31st in coaches votes.

Could argue that goes into top 20 in an above average side.

 

[GinniAndTonic]

I’m just commenting on the current state of play.

You were so chipper a week or two ago. Where’s that chipper attitude gone? Don’t get too down on things.

I’ve never said the deal will get done actually, I’ve always been firm in saying I don’t think a deal will happen.

 

[jannissary]

I’m just commenting on the current state of play.

You were so chipper a week or two ago. Where’s that chipper attitude gone? Don’t get too down on things.

i hope they're seeking some support in this tumultuous times

 

[yeahmate]

Hawks maybe had the wrong number?

 

[WalshistheGOAT]

This is the most hysterical post I've read in a while. You're embarrassing yourself here.

Hawks have tried to recruit a player.

Everything else you're crapping on about it pure speculation and weird emotional outburst.

Hysterical? I'm enjoying reading the Hawks melts and denial with no skin in the game whether Merrett stays or goes. Your coach and club screwed your plans this year by being arrogant in their chases for targets. It's backfired beautifully, sooner your fans come to terms with that the better.

 

[GinniAndTonic]

31st in coaches votes.

Could argue that goes into top 20 in an above average side.

Also due to getting thrown around in different positions every week because Brad Scott has zero idea on how to coach.

 

[jannissary]

31st in coaches votes.

Could argue that goes into top 20 in an above average side.

pretty dece considering he was playing with a bunch of teenagers for the majority of the season!

 

[Foxx]

They could inspire themselves to finish where do you believe?

Making the 8 is possible. On paper - injury free - they dont look too bad. Atm anyway.

Players can get a rise when they are told they are effectively crap.

 

[jannissary]

Hawks maybe had the wrong number?

duplicitous essendon, not giving hawthorn the right number...

 

[FootyGuru]

Making the 8 is possible. On paper - injury free - they dont look too bad. Atm anyway.

Players can get a rise when they are told they are effectively crap.

This time of year we just assume every injury prone player will be healthy like Day.

 

[yeahmate]

The field is wide open next year who knows Bombers could be the bolter. having a new captain at the helm could be what they need to get em moving

 

[yeahmate]

unfortunately merrett will still happen

 

[Hawks_Footy]

Interesting to see if Dons come to the table at 6pm tomorrow night to thrash out a deal..

There's 50% of me that believes this has been a tactic to now to get the best return (fair play it's worked) and the other 50% of me is saying they're just plain mad and holding him regardless of what Hawthorn coughs up

 

[Coasters7]

Maybe you should hold the media accountable for what they discuss instead of somehow trying to blame them for reporting on Mitchell's meetings but none of the other clubs or coaches that have met with players during the recruitment process?

Or do you think it's hawthorn that decides what the footy media talk about?

Clearly it was leaked from the Hawks side though and the consistency means it’s intentional

 

[yeahmate]

Its part of the club's open media policy got to generate the clicks for the AFL

 

[Dont_be_a_Plonka]

Sad to see really. So much hope of getting Merrett and Petracca in. And here we are. I try to put myself in the shoes of these poor Hawks supporters but I can’t.

Difficulty telling left from right?

 

[Orfullrules]

The field is wide open next year who knows Bombers could be the bolter. having a new captain at the helm could be what they need to get em moving

Yeah mate.

 

[Orfullrules]

unfortunately merrett will still happen

Yeah mate.

 

[Orfullrules]

Its part of the club's open media policy got to generate the clicks for the AFL

Yeah mate.

 

[SSSSSS]

Hysterical? I'm enjoying reading the Hawks melts and denial with no skin in the game whether Merrett stays or goes. Your coach and club screwed your plans this year by being arrogant in their chases for targets. It's backfired beautifully, sooner your fans come to terms with that the better.

I would be very shocked if other club coaches aren't meeting prospective trade targets lol.

Hey Zach. How about coming to the Hawks in what could possibly be a career and legacy defining decision with huge ramifications on your livelihood. No you can't meet one of your direct reports who will be leading you for your tenure.

Utter madness.

 

[TheFourPillars]

1265 minutes till merrett is a hawk

 

[kaiserchief13]

Hawthorn give: Pick 9, 2026 Round 1 pick (Haw), 2026 round 2 pick, Henry Hustwaite
Hawthorn get: Zac Merrett

Richmond give: Pick 4
Richmond get: Pick 9, 2026 round 1 pick (Haw)

Essendon give: Zac Merrett
Essendon get: Pick 4, 2026 Round 2 Pick, Henry Hustwaite

Essendon end up with 4,5,6 and are in prime position to make a play for pick 1

Richmond get the extra 1st round pick for next year, and still end up with two picks in the top 10 this year.

Hawthorn get their man.

Its a lot for Richmond to give up for what is likely a pick outside top 12 in 2026