Hawthornās opening offer to prise Zach Merrett away from Essendon has been rebuffed by the Bombers.
The resumption of hostilities over Merrett between the bitter rivals coincides with Essendonās Crichton Medal dinner, where the star midfielder is the favourite to claim a remarkable seventh club best and fairest on Thursday night.
Hawthorn have offered picks 15 and 25 in this yearās draft, along with a future selection ā either a second- or a third-round pick ā in a package for the onballer who turns 31 on Saturday.
The Bombers have indicated the offer is not enough to convince them to release their ex-skipper, according to multiple industry sources not willing to publicly discuss trade talks. The initial deadlock sets the scene for another potentially explosive negotiation between two clubs with one of the fiercest rivalries in football.
Itās unclear what it will take to satisfy the Bombers in a trade.
A year ago, the same two clubs went to the brink over Merrett. The Hawks made a massive late play for the three-time All-Australian at the end of last yearās trade period ā an offer of picks 10, 22 a future first-round pick and midfielder Henry Hustwaite ā but the Bombers refused to blink and Merrett remained at Essendon.
Twelve months on, Merrett still wants to get to Hawthorn, and the Hawks still want him. Essendon still want a significant price to let him go.
And the two clubs still donāt particularly like each other.
This offer is Hawthornās first attempt to unlock a Merrett deal this year, but the Bombers are expected to push for greater draft capital before agreeing to release one of the most decorated players in the clubās modern history.
Merrett is expected to attend Thursday nightās Crichton Medal ceremony, having won the award in 2016, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Even after trying to leave the Bombers last year he toiled hard during 2026 while often playing out of position in a team that finished last on the ladder.
Should he be judged as Essendonās best player, it would further underline his standing at the club even as Hawthorn attempt to negotiate his exit.
Last yearās talks dominated the trade period, with Hawthorn ultimately unable to satisfy Essendon despite putting a substantial package on the table.
Merrett subsequently relinquished the captaincy and returned for another season, but Hawthorn did not give up the chase.
There is still plenty of time for both clubs to move, and Hawthornās opening offer provides the framework for negotiations to continue.
Both parties privately appear more confident of reaching an agreement than they were last year.
But Hawthorn want to make it happen early in the trade period, given they have another major priority in luring restricted free agent Ben King from Gold Coast.
While the Suns could accept compensation, there is still a chance they will match Hawthornās offer and force a trade. If that happens, Hawthorn will have two tricky trades on their hand heading into trade period, which officially opens on Monday.
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Sam McClure is an award-winning AFL journalist and broadcaster.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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