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 3: Adelaide
Essendon receives: James Borlase, Adelaide's 2026 First Round Pick (currently Pick 14), Adelaide's 2026 Second Round Pick (currently Pick 37)
Adelaide receives: Zach Merrett
Adelaide may be the club best positioned to make a blockbuster offer. The Crows possess significant draft capital and arguably have one of the deepest young lists in the AFL. That gives them flexibility to chase established stars without compromising their future.
James Borlase would fill an immediate positional need for Essendon as a developing key defender capable of replacing some of the intercept marking and physical presence that could be lost if Ridley departs.
Adding Merrett alongside Jordan Dawson, Izak Rankine, Jake Soligo and Riley Thilthorpe would elevate Adelaide from a finals contender into a genuine premiership threat.
For Essendon, securing Borlase alongside two valuable draft selections would represent an excellent return.
