If Zach Merrett were to leave Essendon (and that looks a certainty), what would the ideal trade package look like from a Bombers perspective?
It's a question I've been asking myself as an Essendon supporter, particularly after reading Aidan Cellini's article on Zero Hanger last week.
Replacing a player of Merrett's calibre is impossible. You don't simply find another six-time Crichton Medallist and one of the competition's elite midfielders overnight. The reality is that Essendon would need to use any deal to address multiple list needs while setting themselves up for the future.
The Bombers' most glaring issues are well documented. They desperately need another key defender, greater small forward pressure and class at ground level, while a long-term ruck solution also remains high on the priority list.
With that in mind, these are the trade packages that would make the most sense for Essendon from each of the four clubs most strongly linked to Merrett.
Package 1: Hawthorn
Essendon receives: Jack Scrimshaw, Hawthorn's 2026 First Round Pick (currently Pick 16), Hawthorn's 2026 Second Round Pick (currently Pick 27)
Hawthorn receives: Zach Merrett
This is probably the cleanest fit for both clubs. With Jordan Ridley heavily linked to Queensland, the Bombers are facing the possibility of losing their premier intercept defender. Jack Scrimshaw would immediately help soften that blow, bringing versatility, aerial strength and excellent ball use across half-back.
The inclusion of both a first and second-round selection may seem ambitious, but Essendon has every reason to drive a hard bargain.
The Bombers have already shown in previous trade periods they won't simply accept an offer because a player wants to leave. With multiple clubs interested in Merrett, Hawthorn would likely need to pay a premium to secure one of the league's elite midfielders.
If Hawthorn genuinely wants Merrett, this is the type of offer that would force Essendon to seriously consider it.
