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"He plays at Essendon next year": Cornes on potential Merrett departure
SEN • September 10th, 2025 10:15 pm
Essendon captain Zach Merrett has reportedly met with Hawthorn’s coach Sam Mitchell to explore a potential move to the Hawks next year.
SEN’s Sam Edmund told SEN’s Sportsday that Merrett’s manager Tom Petroro confirmed that Merrett is exploring his options outside of Essendon for “success”.
Upon hearing this information Kane Cornes shared a conversation he had with Essendon’s coach Brad Scott surrounding Merrett’s future at the club.
“Last Tuesday I had a half an hour (conversation) with Brad on the phone,” Cornes revealed.
“He said I’m telling you to your face, point blank, we will not be trading Zach Merrett and you can quote me on that.”
Cornes admitted that he trusts Scott’s word and he can’t see a situation where Merrett leaves unless he goes “nuclear”.
“I take (Brad Scott) at his absolute word,” Cornes said.
“Unless Merrett goes nuclear, but there’s no avenues for Merrett to go nuclear – it’s not like American sport.
“Unless Zach Merrett doesn’t want to play and he wants to sit out and not get paid, then I doubt that’s gonna happen.
“He’s one of the most competitive players you’ve ever seen who wants the success.”
Along with Merrett exploring his options, the 2020 Essendon best and fairest winner Jordan Ridley also stated his desire to leave the club.
Cornes revealed that Scott confidently confirmed the pair will remain Bombers in 2026.
“I just take the club at their word, Brad (said) there is not one way we will trade him or Ridley,” Cornes announced.
“He said Ridley as well, he said their best and second-best player, you can quote me on that.
“They are contracted, at least another two for Merrett, I think it’s another four or five for Ridley, they are not going anywhere.
“While I think it’s a big story now, I think (Zach Merrett) plays at Essendon next year.”
Craig Vozzo the CEO of Essendon is joining Garry Lyon and Tim Watson at 7:30am tomorrow morning to answer all the questions on Zach Merrett’s future at the Bombers.
