Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett hasn't totally ruled out remaining in the red and black, with a crucial meeting with new coach Mark McVeigh this week to determine his future.
Merrett attempted to join Hawthorn last year via a trade, and is expected to do the same amid uncertainty at the Bombers.
The Hawks' advances were swiftly denied by Essendon, despite a hefty trade price, with president Andrew Welsh ultimately holding the six-time Crichton Medallist, and skipper at the time, to his contract, which expires at the end of next year.
"There's a world (where I stay). I'll work through with Spike what's best for us and what's best for them and then make the best decision moving forward for both parties," Merrett said on Channel Nine.
"It was obviously pretty difficult winning two games, a coach getting sacked at round 12, so it was a pretty difficult and long, emotionally draining season.
"Catching up with Spike over the next couple of days to assess what's best for me, but also Essendon and what moves are next."
McVeigh won the job ahead of former teammate and great friend James Hird.
Ironically, Hird indicated that Merrett would've stayed at the Bombers if he was appointed coach.
“Zach and I had discussions, and I was pretty keen (on keeping him),” Hird told Nine's Footy Classified last month.
“I was pretty sure Zach would have stayed.”
McVeigh, shortly after he was officially named as Essendon coach, said he briefly met with Merrett and will continue to work with him to get the best outcome.
"Zach and I have just met earlier as I walked in," he said.
"I've got a huge amount of respect for Zach. He's done so much for the club, and you must respect your champions.
"Zach and I will sit down at the appropriate time, and I think it's really important we understand the player's feelings... It's not just about the club's feelings; it's about his and where he's at.
"I respect him, I want him to be here, but I'll listen to him as well."
It is understood the Bombers have softened on their stance on retaining Merrett, even though they have the capacity to hold him to his 2027 contract.
