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

[Lore]

There we go, that's the clip:

 

[Leather Poisoning]

Mate enough with the garbage it was a ridiculous position your club decided to take and you know it. Unlike us who actually let players go who want to leave with little fanfare like a professional club does. Do you even know what that's like? 2004 would have been the last time you did anything resembling functioning effectively.

Essendon had this obsession with Hawthorn where they didn't even bother to speak to any other clubs on the final day. They kept telling hawthorn they wanted players but they didn't seem to actually go and seek any out for themselves?

I think yesterday was Essendon's grand final, as evidenced by Hird referring to this as a line in the sand. It seems their idea of 'bringing back the swagger' is pissing off their captain and best and fairest winner as much as possible.

Incredibly strange club.

 

[AlwaysHawks15]

prove Merrett approached Mitchell first. Just because you scream "FACTTTTTTTT" doesnt make it so.

Petroro is a liar is he? He's said it many times.

 

[Forward Press]

Merrett approached us for the millionth time or do you guys just ignore facts to shoot your own narratives. We didn't owe Merrett anything outside of doing what we could to get him across that was reasonable. Petroro has been in communication with us throughout the year or is that Mitchell's fault as well. No other player managers are in contact with other coaches apparently. Just trying to flex to troll Hawthorn by the sounds of it like you other Eagle mates.

That's just your version of events.

It is however indisputable that Sam Mitchell has held discussions with three players during the season, and that none of those three players are with Hawthorn next year.

 

[joey_jo_jo]

Your built for mediocrity so of course you wouldn't understand aiming for success. Were the only club that aims for success apparently l.

the others clubs didnt shout it from the rooftops to stir up nuff fans like you, they just went about their business and actually improved their list. Everyone of the top 10 teams improved their list apart from the crows who remained stagnant and you guys who went backwards.

 

[AlwaysHawks15]

Essendon had this obsession with Hawthorn where they didn't even bother to speak to any other clubs on the final day. They kept telling hawthorn they wanted players but they didn't seem to actually go and seek any out for themselves?

I think yesterday was Essendon's grand final, as evidenced by Hird referring to this as a line in the sand. It seems their idea of 'bringing back the swagger' is pissing off their captain and best and fairest winner as much as possible.

Incredibly strange club.

Stop trying to speak sense mate the nuffies on here aren't interested there drunk celebrating winning trade period.

 

[AlwaysHawks15]

That's just your version of events.

It is however indisputable that Sam Mitchell has held discussions with three players during the season, and that none of those three players are with Hawthorn next year.

Just like your coach probably has as well. its an incredibly naive position to take.

 

[SA HAWK]

When Samantha achieves what Sheedy did with the bombers will continue this discussion. Don't see it happening.

Was talking about the spud currently coaching.

 

[Geead]

My 2 cents, and to post my thoughts for posterity.

It is always nice to see Hawthorn suffer. It is incredibly stupid to do it by hurting ourselves. Was the Hawks offer the best they could do? Who knows? Why should we actually care? There was an offer on the table. And what I do know, is it is almost certainly better than what we'll get for Merrett in the future, who is now likely to leave for far less next year, or in two years for a packet of chips. Plus, Merrett leaving would actually mean we finish lower (gasp, better draft pick) and have room to develop some midfielders to replace him.

Terrible 12 months for Essendon's list management post the 2024 draft:

• Failed to realise bringing forward payments would make Draper a UFA instead of a RFA, so didn't top him up, costing us a Band 1 pick.
• Didn't then campaign on AFL's current push "equalisation" for Band 1.
• At the mid-season draft didn't focus on KPD's, despite the obvious need.
• Left it to others initially to fight for Father-Son/NGA to be retained and protected. Had the coach interviewed and not even fight for it.
• Didn't capitalise on the chance created by discontent to have more senior players leave, allowing us to strengthen our draft hand.
• Signed up players early, so that we may not have enough list spots for the draft hand we do have!
• Brought in a list clogger in Fiorini (who is a fine average player, but totally unsuitable for where we are at), costing us another list spot.
• Then didn't take the Hawks offer - or even better their first offer plus the additional late picks they traded to Carlton.

We're run by a bunch of incompetents.

This is probably the most level-headed response I've seen here. Does missing out on Merrett sting us Hawks in the short-term? Absolutely!! But I'd argue it potentially stings Essendon more than it does us in the long run. We now give Mackenzie his opportunity to show if he has that A-grade potential in him, if not we can go again next year/the year after for an A-Grade Free Agent.

The fact that Merrett probably wins you guys an extra 3-4 games with him in your side is probably overlooked too, I would think now (before Tassie comes into play) is when you should be happy to finish a bit lower in order to get a quality pick. Now, I could honestly see an un-injured Essendon side realistically finishing anywhere from 14th-9th and getting a pick which scales outside the top 10 with Academy/Father-Son bids.

Also regarding the offer, a lot of Hawks fans were saying it was overs and Bombers fans saying it was unders, so my thoughts were that it was probably about right for a 30-year old Zerrett (3-years younger, he would of commanded a Godfather offer). However, given you are our biggest rivals and the tension in the media/board changes you had, I don't think we offered enough to tip the scales. I personally would've tried to add a Mackenzie/Lewis unwillingly, for a chance to turbo charge a Premiership run, however I do also wonder if this would've ultimately also been knocked back. Felt like this was more of a statement from Essendon than actually being willing to come to the table and trade Merrett.

 

[Leather Poisoning]

That's just your version of events.

It is however indisputable that Sam Mitchell has held discussions with three players during the season, and that none of those three players are with Hawthorn next year.

It's also indisuptable that Brad Scott held discussions with Zach Merrett and the result was him desperately wanting to leave the club.

Reckon that's a lot worse.

 

[Forward Press]

Just like your coach probably has as well. its an incredibly naive position to take.

Probably? Sure.

But which other coach in the league has met with three players from other clubs and not landed a single one? As a player manager, would you still be happy to deal with Sam Mitchell based on evidence from this year? You have been happy to paint Essendon with that brush (not getting deals done and causing player managers frustration), are you going to paint your beloved head coach with that too?

 

[Hawkk]

That's just your version of events.

It is however indisputable that Sam Mitchell has held discussions with three players during the season, and that none of those three players are with Hawthorn next year.

Do you think Andrew McQualter or Matty Clarke might be gettable? Maybe Sam will switch to off field raiding too?

 

[AlwaysHawks15]

the others clubs didnt shout it from the rooftops to stir up nuff fans like you, they just went about their business and actually improved their list. Everyone of the top 10 teams improved their list apart from the crows who remained stagnant and you guys who went backwards.

. Anything to deflect from your own club being a shambles. Other clubs like GC yeah? What have they ever achieved again?. Yes we're terribly disappointed for losing Worpel, CJ and Serong. Whatever will we do to replace them all.

 

[Golden_6]

Your not serious are you. If you can spin this into Essendon being the victims your a bit gullible. Essendon have tarnished their rep amongst players managers into the foreseeable future because of this and the hilarious thing is they don't even realise it because their flexing about owning Hawthorn.

I am being serious.

Merrett wanted to get to the Hawks weeks ago. Do you genuinely believe the most appropriate course of action would be to present a formal deal a little over 24 hours before the trade deadline finishes?

 

[Dazza the Viking]

Merrett stuck at a team that hasn’t won a final in overs 20 years, he will be disappointed but he’s a professional and will give it all next season

Let’s hope the Bombers can get a top 10 pick right for a change and get the there Injury management back on track, so Merrett doesn’t want leave in a years time

 

[Leather Poisoning]

Probably? Sure.

But which other coach in the league has met with three players from other clubs and not landed a single one? As a player manager, would you still be happy to deal with Sam Mitchell based on evidence from this year? You have been happy to paint Essendon with that brush (not getting deals done and causing player managers frustration), are you going to paint your beloved head coach with that too?

If Hawthorn's captain was desperate to leave the club I would look very poorly on the coach. Until players at Hawthorn start showing discontent I would be more than happy to deal with Sam Mitchell. It's about finding the best place for your clients to spend their career.

 

[Geead]

Also by watching trade radio yesterday, I feel like an agreement to trade was put in place by Hawks & Bombers list Management yesterday and then knocked back by the Essendon Board last minute. There was a stage where Petroro was all smiles in the Essendon Trade Room and then even hugging Roughead 5 mins after in the Hawks Trade room (approximately about 1-hour before the deadline). It was when there was about 20mins left that Petroro was seen animated, but the hard part to read was that he looked angry and pointing fingers at our staff in our room? Maybe he was demanding our Team to add a Sweetener to just get the deal done or something, but it was a real interesting watch, never seen anything like it on trade deadline day lol.

 

[AlwaysHawks15]

Probably? Sure.

But which other coach in the league has met with three players from other clubs and not landed a single one? As a player manager, would you still be happy to deal with Sam Mitchell based on evidence from this year? You have been happy to paint Essendon with that brush (not getting deals done and causing player managers frustration), are you going to paint your beloved head coach with that too?

Mate we are incredibly accommodating to other player did you not notice us lose 3 players without kicking up a fuss?. We always overpay and sell cheap. Part of the reason the bombers tried to fleece us because we have a reputation of bending over a little bit to get the player we want. Think you will find most player managers like dealing with us for this reason. But sure go with the Mitchell is a narcissist who deserves nothing rhetoric.

 

[Leather Poisoning]

Probably? Sure.

But which other coach in the league has met with three players from other clubs and not landed a single one? As a player manager, would you still be happy to deal with Sam Mitchell based on evidence from this year? You have been happy to paint Essendon with that brush (not getting deals done and causing player managers frustration), are you going to paint your beloved head coach with that too?

sigh

Coaches meet with opposition players all the time. All the time. Assistant coaches as well.

Just because you don't hear about it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. The answer to your question is 'probably most'.

 

[In The Rod We Trust]

Do you think Andrew McQualter or Matty Clarke might be gettable? Maybe Sam will switch to off field raiding too?

If you had Clarke doing the deals you would have given 5 1st rounders because of the commitment you made to bring Merrett to the club.

 

[Geead]

Probably? Sure.

But which other coach in the league has met with three players from other clubs and not landed a single one? As a player manager, would you still be happy to deal with Sam Mitchell based on evidence from this year? You have been happy to paint Essendon with that brush (not getting deals done and causing player managers frustration), are you going to paint your beloved head coach with that too?

I seriously doubt Mitchell would be the only coach who is meeting players behind the scenes. Whether it's on purpose or not as a unsuccessful tactic to try and unsettle clubs to try and tank trade value, the only difference is that Mitchells have been publicized.

 

[Forward Press]

It's also indisuptable that Brad Scott held discussions with Zach Merrett and the result was him desperately wanting to leave the club.

Reckon that's a lot worse.

Already said Essendon wasn't ideal in terms of their conduct either, I don't dispute that at all. To clarify, I think Essendon should have traded away a player that wanted away.

Just questioning the narrative (from Hawks fans predominantly) that this saga makes player managers doubt Essendon and that Hawthorn were doing the right thing all the time. The overriding principle - that often gets ignored by Hawks fans - is that Essendon had every right to keep a contracted player and there is no obligation to trade him away at all no matter what Hawks fans might say.

 

[HirdsTheWord]

We did.

Why would anyone want to go to a club when the captain is trying desperately to get out.

Ah well it's what it is. Our players are happy to stay. Not sure the same can be said about Zachary.

so your list manager is lying? Cause he said you didn't.

interesting view.

 

[joey_jo_jo]

. Anything to deflect from your own club being a shambles. Other clubs like GC yeah? What have they ever achieved again?. Yes we're terribly disappointed for losing Worpel, CJ and Serong. Whatever will we do to replace them all.

i hope your coach arrogantly dismisses teams like the suns because of their history, they gave you a touch up in the midfield this year and will only get better with Petracca added to the mix.
I dont know what you will do to replace worpel in the midfield, it wont be Merrett thats for sure

 

[Lance Uppercut]

Same with the player leaving you don't have to pay the contract they take it with them

er, no? That's completely not correct?

I wouldn't have thought it would need to be spelled out but the obligations between parties are different - the player is committing to service over a period of time and the club is committing to paying them for that service.

I'm genuinely struggling to believe you've posted this, honestly. Either you're way too emotionally affected by this or you actually have no idea how contracts function

 

[Forward Press]

sigh

Coaches meet with opposition players all the time. All the time. Assistant coaches as well.

Just because you don't hear about it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. The answer to your question is 'probably most'.

I seriously doubt Mitchell would be the only coach who is meeting players behind the scenes. Whether it's on purpose or not as a unsuccessful tactic to try and unsettle clubs to try and tank trade value, the only difference is that Mitchells have been publicized.

I am sure McQualter and every other coach has privately approached targets during the season. I'm not naive there.

But your head coach now has a public 0 from 3 record in 2025. Maybe next time it should be done discreetly which apparently the other 17 coaches have been doing.