Zach Merrett's manager, Tom Petroro, has offered a strong stance and an update on the potential trade for the Essendon captain, who wishes to play for Hawthorn in 2026 and beyond.

Petroro, speaking to Trade Radio, said Merrett "needs a fresh start" and is keen to become a Hawk before the day's end. 

"Zach really wants to be a Hawthorn footballer, he's all in on this, it's been a difficult five or six-week period, and his instruction to me is to try and get him to Hawthorn this afternoon," Petroro said. 

"He's motivated to get to Hawthorn, he's in a position where he feels like he's given his all to the Essendon footy club over the last 12 years, he's never wavered, he brought it all out, but he needs a fresh start, and he wants to chase success at Hawthorn.

"I'm gonna go in and have some conversations now, Hawthorn are looking at different alternatives, things that they can throw up.

"I've never seen a deal like this for a 30-year-old. Two first rounds, a second round pick, it's massive collateral, and for a club that is in a phase where it's focusing on youth, I would've thought three top picks is probably better than a 30-year-old to take the club forward."

Footage of an "animated" Petroro was broadcasted on Trade Radio as the player manager spoke with Hawks list lead Mark McKenzie in the club's desiganted room at Marvel Stadium.

Hawthorn reportedly offered Essendon Pick 9, a future first-round selection, a future second-round selection and Henry Hustwaite, which was rejected by the Bombers on Tuesday.

Hawthorn has made a trade with Carlton, trading Pick 9, 31, 42, 43 and for Picks 10 and 22, with 22 likely to be used in a new offer for Merrett.

The proposed new offer is set to involve Picks 10, 22, and a future first for the Bombers captain.

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