Essendon captain Zach Merrett has spoken on his playing future amid reported interest to join Hawthorn, with the Dons star noncommittal on his plans for 2026.
Merrett's uncertain future at Tullamarine has been well-documented since his recent meeting with Hawthorn figures, including coach Sam Mitchell.
While contracted for the next two years and serving as captain of the Bombers, Merrett is believed to be disgruntled in the red and black, and has since begun to weigh up his future with Essendon after 12 years.
The 29-year-old, who is in line for his sixth best and fairest, has admitted the past few weeks have been "difficult", while he remains in ongoing conversations with Essendon.
"It's been a difficult time for me and my family," Merrett told Fox Sports at Monday's Brownlow Medal ceremony. "I've had constant dialogue with the club and have felt their support from behind closed doors.
"It's been difficult, but it's the industry we're in. I understand that. We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.
"I still feel the love (for Essendon). It's a place I absolutely adore, and have for 12 years. What happens beyond that, I don't know yet.
"I still feel the love (from Essendon) ... we'll work through what's next for all of us"
Essendon captain Zach Merrett speaks to AFL Tonight's @DrewJonesFOX, breaking his silence amid his interest in a trade to Hawthorn. pic.twitter.com/yAxVNxC4XY
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) September 22, 2025
"We'll see what happens as we work through what's next for all of us, and there's obviously plenty of factors at play, and uncertainty as well."
Merrett's desire to leave Essendon reportedly stems from his hunger for a premiership, with the midfielder having played four finals across his 251 games for the club.
Quizzed on that being his motivation to move to the Hawks, Merrett said there were multiple factors at play.
"I think there's (more) broader things than that," Merrett said. "I'll go into more detail at a later date.
"I'll get through tonight, wake up and get back to training, and then there'll be conversations and meetings had away from the media behind closed doors with the appropriate stakeholders, and then we'll see where it lands."
The 2025 Trade Period will open on Monday, October 6, and will run through to the evening of Wednesday, October 15.
