AFL Player 7: Indefatigable Zach Merrett - Stepping down as captain for 2026

[Howard Moon]

I assume round one both sides will be cheering him for him in the red and black, the piss and poo been cheerleadering him for weeks already

 

[windyhill]

yeah but thats my issue, Lloyd and Watson present info like they have some additional insight as former players of the club, but they basically regurgitate the same info as guys like Morris, yet for some supporters it holds additional weight when repeated by ex-players.

Watson has been sticking his nose into everything since he retired much to our detriment.

 

[thepokey]

Hawks fans really struggling on social media this morning. Lots of "why won't Essendon accept pick 52 and Johnny VFL??"

 

[schmuttt]

Hawks

 

[Howard Moon]

Need live bitchell cam

 

[Squeaky]

Hawks fans really struggling on social media this morning. Lots of "why won't Essendon accept pick 52 and Johnny VFL??"

Wait... Is Johnny VFL a left footer?

 

[thepokey]

Wait... Is Johnny VFL a left footer?

Hard to tell, no one has seen him play

 

[bommer16]

Club was never posturing imo. He's a required player who happens to be contracted. Don’t think it matters what hawthorn offer really.

 

[MiguelM]

So I take it he has formally requested a trade?

 

[Milanista28]

So I take it he has formally requested a trade?

I'm pretty sure we only accept trade requests via skywriter.

 

[dank420_]

go to your room zach

 

[DapperDon]

I think you’re overestimating the intelligence of the general football public.

Zach Merrett Committed to Essendon Amid Trade Rumors - Cal Twomey.

In recent weeks, trade speculation surrounding Essendon Bombers star Zach Merrett has made headlines, particularly regarding a supposed move to the Hawthorn Hawks. However, Merrett has firmly quashed these rumors, reaffirming his commitment to the Essendon Football Club and expressing his desire to achieve success with the team.

In his latest remarks, Merrett stated, "I never wanted to leave Essendon. The talk about a trade to Hawthorn was just media scuttlebutt. My focus has always been on building something special here at Essendon." His determination to remain with the Bombers reflects his passion for the club and his belief in their potential for the future.

Merrett’s commitment goes beyond mere words; he has a vision for what he wants to achieve with Essendon. "I can't wait to hold up the premiership cup in one arm, grabbing the sash jumper in the other, screaming 'Don the sash'! That's the dream," he shared with enthusiasm.

Fans of the Bombers will undoubtedly appreciate Merrett's dedication as he continues to be a pivotal player for the team. With his leadership qualities and on-field prowess, there’s no doubt that he is committed to taking Essendon back to the top.

As the trade period approaches, the club and its supporters can rest easy knowing that Zach Merrett is all-in for Essendon, ready to tackle the challenges ahead and lead the team toward a successful premiership campaign.

Just put my life earnings on the 2026 cup!

 

[Phone]

Feel like the lack of an acceptable offer from Hawthorne (yet) is the reason why he hasn’t and probably won’t officially ask for a trade. Petroro & co. would have spent weeks working the phones & know that he’s likely staying

Hopefully this has a trickle down impacting on the Hawkes down the line that for as aggressive as they want to be perceived, their bite isn’t as strong as their bark. It’s a pretty poor look on their end.

So I take it he has formally requested a trade?

I really don't see why it matters if he offically requests a trade tbh. Everyone knows he wants out, putting it down in writing or something doesn't change anything imo. Seems unimportant to me

(So does the Hawks not putting in an offer yet imo. The manager is going to act as the broker here. If its reported that the manager isn't talking to Essendon or Hawthorn about this anymore, then ok that matters, but obviously the manager is still talking)

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

So I take it he has formally requested a trade?

Formally requested a trade via informal channels...

 

[Old Campaigner]

I really don't see why it matters if he offically requests a trade tbh. Everyone knows he wants out, putting it down in writing or something doesn't change anything imo. Seems unimportant to me

(So does the Hawks not putting in an offer yet imo. The manager is going to act as the broker here. If its reported that the manager isn't talking to Essendon or Hawthorn about this anymore, then ok that matters, but obviously the manager is still talking)

I'd say the fact they're entertaining these discussions with Petroro is pretty telling. If the 'Not for Sale" stance was set in stone they'd tell the manager to **** off pretty quickly

 

[Wahooti Fandango]

Swans offer for Curnow surely sets the precedent for Merrett?

 

[YEMOC NAYR]

I think this still happens
Keen for the deathride

 

[Phone]

I'd say the fact they're entertaining these discussions with Petroro is pretty telling. If the 'Not for Sale" stance was set in stone they'd tell the manager to **** off pretty quickly

And on a similar wave length, the reports of the manager telling us that he'll just request a trade next year and we'll get less return, and the Club acknowledging that is interesting to me on

 

[MiguelM]

 

[maskmcgee]

I assume round one both sides will be cheering him for him in the red and black, the piss and poo been cheerleadering him for weeks already

Pretty sure we'll be booing him

 

[maskmcgee]

I assume round one both sides will be cheering him for him in the red and black, the piss and poo been cheerleadering him for weeks already

Pretty sure we'll be booing him

 

[Old Campaigner]

And on a similar wave length, the reports of the manager telling us that he'll just request a trade next year and we'll get less return, and the Club acknowledging that is interesting to me on

Are you sure? That can't be right. MPMonkeys said it will be fine and things will change quickly.

 

[NAB777]

View attachment 2455645

Simple. Tell him "no" next year, too.

 

[Old Campaigner]

Simple. Tell him "no" next year, too.

Cool, and we get pick 50 as FA compo in 2027

That's the sort of moronic play Dodoro would throw his shoulder out patting himself on the back over

 

[MiguelM]

Simple. Tell him "no" next year, too.

Yeah, suck it up.

Bitchell, if you want him so bad make the offer worth it or GAGF!

Blues got a good deal off the Swans, over to you Hoks.