The Hawthorn-themed Secret Santa gift Merrett received

A signed Jack Ginnivan Hawthorn jumper for Christmas?

That was what was under Zach Merrett's tree after a failed attempt to join the Hawks via the trade period.

After returning to Tullamarine once a deal couldn't be satisfied between the two arch rivals, Merrett's teammate, Jye Caldwell, took it upon himself to add humour to the situation.

"We had a Secret Santa and everyone had to make presents and stuff. Jye thought it would be funny to get Jack Ginnivan, who's one of (Caldwell's) mates, to sign a jumper for him," Bombers forward Nate Caddy told Channel Seven.

Jye Caldwell bought Zach Merrett a Hawthorn guernsey, signed by Jack Ginnivan, for Secret Santa 💀 pic.twitter.com/WiCMKcsYc0

— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 8, 2026

"He gave it to Zach as a bit of a gag.

"That kind of put a full stop to it."

Coach Brad Scott says it would've been funnier if he came up with the gift idea.

"I liked it. If i thought of it, it would've been even funnier, I reckon," Scott said.

"I think it probably speaks to the fact that it's a big deal to everyone, I get it, they're fair questions. We moved on a long time ago and now we're at the stage where we're making jokes about it."

Merrett relinquished his captaincy after the trade saga, opening the door for Andrew McGrath to take the reins.

Fittingly, the Bombers will begin their 2026 campaign against Hawthorn in Round 1 on Friday night.

The six-time Crichton Medallist has smoothed over the awkwardness with his teammates to a point where preliminary talks over an extension at the Bombers beyond 2027 have occurred. 

Only time will tell how the black and red army receive Merrett against a team he tried to join.