A new club has been floated as a potential landing spot for an Essendon star.
Brodie Grundy has revealed what a former coach said to him on the boundary line.
And is Brad Scott the right man to coach the Bombers?
All that and more from media buzz...
Merrett on the move
Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett is tipped to request a trade away from the club again, but instead of looking just within Victoria, could consider a move interstate.
Merrett was the biggest trade talking point last year, attempting to get to Hawthorn which failed in the final seconds of the off-season.
However, with little improvement shown at Tullamarine, the star on-baller is expected to receive interest from around the competition, with Melbourne also floated among Hawthorn as options.
"He is once again considering his future away from the Essendon football club."
Sam McClure reports Zach Merrett is again eyeing the exit, with Hawthorn and Melbourne among the clubs circling. #9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/N3m3OfDp9k
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 18, 2026
Grundy reveals what McRae said
Sydney ruck Brodie Grundy was involved in a peculiar exchange with his former coach Craig McRae on Friday during the clash.
"He just said, 'Good day, old mate'," Grundy told media in the rooms after the game.
"He's bugged up. He can be a bit quirky at times, Craig. So, it's a bit like, 'Hello'.
"That was nothing untoward. I think he was just trying to take me off my game."
"Four clubs are really surprised at what Craig McRae is doing (on the boundary)."
🗣️ Caroline Wilson on Craig McRae's boundary line antics pic.twitter.com/SZRLZhZ7rW
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 18, 2026
Bombers coach in the gun from club legend
Essendon icon Matthew Lloyd is questioning whether Brad Scott is the right man to lead the club after a poor record over the past 40 weeks.
The Bombers were abysmal against Fremantle on the weekend, and have a significant stretch of three winnable games (Richmond, West Coast and Carlton).
“I just think you can't always think it's just going to turn for you … it's not as if Essendon's (young players) are that much better than everyone else's young players, so at some stage you have to start winning,” Lloyd said on Nine.
“I don't care who you are … if you win one or two games in the space of 40 weeks, questions have to be asked.
"You don't think he's the right coach, do you?"
"I don't care who you are, if you win one or two games in the space of 40 weeks, questions have to be asked."Matthew Lloyd's passionate response to Brad Scott's comments on the next three weeks.#9FootyClassified | 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/g181yXV6S8
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 18, 2026
“(Scott) does play the kids, and he dropped (Ben) McKay and he's playing another kid, but I haven't seen a great game plan this year … I couldn't really tell you, but defensively I don't really see anything that's got a good strong backbone to it.”
Giant out if Coleman Medallist stays
That's what GWS needs to determine by the end of the year.
The pair are weighing up their futures, with rival clubs starting to circle the longer they remain unsigned for next year and beyond.
"We can tell you tonight that his future at the club is directly tied to that of Jesse Hogan."
Sam McClure reports GWS young gun Max Gruzewski is set to explore a move if the club keeps its star Coleman Medallist. #9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/KS71KYRjmm
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 18, 2026
The Giants are also understood to have tabled captain Toby Greene $2 million over three years to retain him amid potential interest from his home state in Melbourne.
Swan set for massive offers if King stays
Sydney free agent Joel Amartey could earn up to $1.2 million a season once Gold Coast's Ben King re-signs.
It is largely believed King will stay at the Suns, penning a two-year extension, meaning rivals will turn their attention to Amartey.
"I've spoken to multiple clubs today who've confirmed that they believe Joel Amartey's price on the open market will be between $1-1.2m per year as soon as Ben King signs."
Tom Morris on Joel Amartey's future 👉 https://t.co/fTsbYD4yCf pic.twitter.com/IdBkYOjqmF
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 18, 2026
The biggest motivator... ever
West Coast has been handpicked for Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury's game-breaking record, and that is viewed as the biggest disrespect, according to Kane Cornes.
The Eagles will begin as underdogs, but can use the highly-anticipated match as motivation to knock off the Pies.
"They have handpicked you to beat you, to make sure it is Scott Pendlebury's greatest day of all time."
🗣️ Kane Cornes on the extra motivation for an Eagles upset pic.twitter.com/pyBwuCh4kh
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 18, 2026
























