Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett played a straight bat when quizzed about his looming trade request to Hawthorn ahead of Monday night's Brownlow Medal.
On a night which recognises the best and fairest player of the home and away season, Merrett attempted to divert any trade talk or attention away from him, which is the polar opposite to last year's proceedings.
"We'll have to wait and see," Merrett said on 3AW.
"There's a lot to play out. I think tonight is obviously about much more than me, and last year got distracted by me, so hopefully tonight's about Nick (Daicos), celebrating him and all the other individual award winners as well."
Last year, Merrett was embroiled with a move to the Hawks after a tumultuous season as the Bombers captain.
He attempted to join the Hawthorn in bold fashion, but once the move was mooted by the higher-ups at Tullamarine, he stepped aside as skipper.
Merrett's attempted move became the main course of the evening, which he prevented from happening this year.
The classy left-footer said he is excited to see what new Essendon coach Mark McVeigh will do with the young group.
Merrett and McVeigh have met a couple of times to discuss his future, and what it would look like going forward.
"We've caught up a couple of times," he said.
"He and I. We've had some good chats. He's a very impressive guy. The way he spoke at that first press conference was incredible, and I think it really echoed the thoughts of the fans.
"I think he's going to do a terrific job."
