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 2: Geelong
Essendon receives: Tanner Bruhn, Geelong's 2026 First Round Pick (currently Pick 17)
Geelong receives: Zach Merrett
This might be the most appealing football trade for Essendon. Tanner Bruhn has developed into one of Geelong's toughest inside midfielders. His tackling pressure, contested work and age profile would provide the Bombers with an immediate replacement who still has significant upside.
While nobody expects Bruhn to become Zach Merrett, pairing him with emerging midfielders such as Archie Roberts, Elijah Tsatas and Nate Caddy's generation would accelerate Essendon's next era.
Adding a first-round selection gives Matt Rosa another opportunity to continue building through the draft. From an Essendon perspective, this package offers immediate competitiveness while also investing in the future.
