Essendon president Andrew Welsh has affirmed his club's stance in the ongoing dealings with Hawthorn for star midfielder Zach Merrett.
The Bombers will play hardball once again and are understood to have vehemently denied the Hawks' first offer, which is believed to be Picks 15, 25 and a future third-round selection.
Welsh doubled down on Essendon's position with Merrett, who is contracted for 2027.
"Hawthorn wouldn't want to fumble or try to get too cute with us again in their approach to the negotiations," Welsh told News Corp.
"What transpired last year and the strategy they implemented to try and force a deal through wasn't successful, and it won't be again this year. We won't be crumbling.
"Zach is our best player, a contracted player, so let's wait and see what Hawthorn's approach is this time.
"I know how deals work. I've built a business doing deals. I've sat around board tables, and there should be win-wins for all parties.
"I think they (Hawthorn) underestimated our club and where we are going."
The Bombers stood firm last year when Merrett attempted to get to Hawthorn. The Hawks offered Picks 9, 22, a future first-round selection and Henry Hustwaite for the left-footer and a future third.
However, negotiations this time around have begun much earlier than they did 12 months ago.
Merrett is fresh off winning a record-equalling seventh Crichton Medal, standing alongside football icons Bill Hutchison and Dick Reynolds.
Injury-prone defender Jordan Ridley has an interest in joining Geelong this off-season, despite holding a contract until 2029.
The Cats have offered a future first-round pick for Ridley, although the Bombers, like with Merrett, will play hardball to ensure they get the best deal.
However, potential inclusions could be Jack Bowes from Geelong, Laitham Vandermeer from the Western Bulldogs, Brisbane's Will McLachlan and Melbourne's Jack Viney.
Bowes requested a trade to the Bombers last week, and is set to head to Tullamarine in the off-season.
Vandermeer could look to reunite with Essendon's new head of development, Brent Prismall, at the Bombers, even with interest from Melbourne and Port Adelaide.
Viney is weighing up his options at West Coast or the Bombers, but is still contracted to the Demons.
McLachlan is seeking more AFL opportunity, and has Essendon and the Demons vying for his services.
