AFL Trade News: Zach Merrett

AFLRATINGS NEWS: Zach Merrett continues to be linked to a trade out of Essendon.

He met with Hawthorn senior coach Sam Mitchell and officials on Tuesday night (via Tom Morris), Merrett’s manager Tom Petroro (TGI Sport) was also part of the meeting.

On Monday night the Essendon Board reportedly shut down trade speculation by making it well known Merrett wouldn’t be traded under any circumstances.

Despite Essendon’s strong stance Merrett went ahead with the meeting with Hawthorn the next day.

Follow AFLRATINGS Trade GM on X/Twitter

Merrett signed a six-year contract extension in 2021, he is out of contract at the end of the 2027 season.

The 29-year-old has played 251 games for Essendon, he was selected at pick 26 in the 2013 AFL Draft by the Bombers.

Merrett is also the current captain of Essendon.

The Bombers are yet to publicly release a statement on Merrett’s situation at the club with the trade period set to commence in October.

Hawthorn have been in the market to acquire an inside midfielder this trade period with Harley Reid also linked to the club before he signed a contract extension with the Eagles.