Essendon, as they should, have continued to express their firm stance that captain Zach Merrett won't be traded, after the Bombers' star was linked to a shock move to Hawthorn.
A meeting with Hawks key figures quickly transformed murmurings surrounding Merrett's future into more agony for Dons fans, with their five-time (and likely soon-to-be six) best and fairest winner understood to be somewhat frustrated at Tullamarine.
Merrett's contract with Essendon won't expire until the end of 2027, meaning the Bombers - despite what Merrett wants, and what the Hawks can do to try and appease their rival - can force their leader to remain in the red and black.
That scenario undoubtedly creates a fascinating summer for all parties, with Merrett's role as captain likely coming into question despite him being their list as their best leader and player for 2026.
The Bombers can deny the thought of Merrett moving clubs this off-season, but that mightn't stop Hawthorn's attempts to lure the 29-year-old to the brown and gold.
So, in any world where Essendon's head could be turned, what trade packages could potentially satisfy a deal that sees Merrett head to Waverley?
We look at four offers that could interest Essendon...
2. The players only package
Hawthorn trade: Mitchell Lewis, Cameron Mackenzie, Jai Serong
Essendon trade: Zach Merrett
The most unlikely deal of the four packages we present, given the difficulty in deals involving four players swapping clubs, especially when most are under contract.
For the Bombers, this deal bolsters their key forward stocks with an immediate impact player, adds young quality to their engine room, and brings in one of the best young defenders in the VFL to aid the potential loss of Jordan Ridley.
The Hawks have shown they can fire up front without Mitch Lewis, who has struggled this year off the back of an ACL injury, while Merrett's arrival would be cause for concern for a player like Mackenzie.
Serong would be a bargain addition for the Bombers, who could use some further reinforcement down back.
