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Morris: Merrett strategy working perfectly for Essendon
Tom Morris • October 8th, 2025 11:29 am
This is not my opinion, this is my understanding - I will not put a line through Zach Merrett until 7.30pm next Wednesday.
This strategy is working absolutely perfectly for Essendon. Everyone is second-guessing if they would actually trade their captain.
That is why they are doing it.
The answer is they would, but it has to be an exceptional deal from Hawthorn.
What the Bombers won’t do is get in an early trade period tit for tat on future picks and going back and forth. The Hawks need to come - at some point - with a deal Essendon can sell to members as a win.
But make no mistake, this is a clear strategy and if I’m honest - I actually really rate it. They are essentially saying, 'Give us your best, give it once, and don’t stuff around when you do it'.
And if not, Merrett stays.
I wonder how Merrett's manager Tom Petroro is managing this now? Is he waiting to make a move because he knows Essendon won't consider it soon anyway?
His game plan absolutely fascinates me and there's no doubt Petroro is very much in the hot seat.
That's where it sits with Merrett. Don't believe anyone who tells you Essendon categorically won't trade him.
It has to be exceptional, it has to be unbelievable, but it's not off the table.
