The battle between Essendon Football Club and its captain Zach Merrett has erupted into one of the most dramatic contract sagas in recent AFL history. What began as quiet whispers of discontent has now escalated into a public clash, with both sides digging in. At the heart of the dispute is Merrett’s future, his hunger for success, and Essendon’s determination to retain its skipper at all costs. The situation, described by senior journalist Tom Morris as an “ugly war,” has left the Bombers’ faithful anxiously watching each move.
The Alleged Push for a Trade
Reports surfaced earlier this week that Merrett, 29, met with Hawthorn officials to explore the possibility of a shock move. Nine’s Tom Morris revealed the meeting and suggested the Essendon star could soon make his intentions clear in public. If he does, it would force the club into a corner: either negotiate a trade or brace for a protracted standoff with their captain.
“This is only going one way,” Morris told SEN radio. “Merrett is prepared to go further than Christian Petracca did at Melbourne. He may even refuse to attend the club’s best and fairest night and push Essendon into an impossible position.”
For context, Petracca’s flirtation with leaving Melbourne was resolved quietly. But Merrett’s case, Morris argued, carries higher stakes. With Merrett approaching his 30th birthday and Essendon still struggling to break through in finals, the midfielder’s clock is ticking.
Essendon’s Defiant Response
Essendon president Dave Barham wasted no time in responding. On Friday, he issued a statement to club members that could not have been clearer: Zach Merrett is not for trade.
“Let me be clear. Zach Merrett is contracted to our football club and our position is clear—he is not for trade,” Barham wrote. “Zach has been an outstanding player for Essendon over a long period and will go down in history as one of our best ever players. This club, with its proud 153-year history, is bigger than any single player, coach, or administrator.”
The words “not for trade” set the tone. Essendon is unwilling to appear weak. They believe holding their captain is vital not only to their 2025 campaign but to maintaining authority over future player negotiations.
A Club on the Brink of Player Exodus
Yet cracks are appearing. Merrett is not the only senior Bomber unsettled. Defender Jordan Ridley has also been linked with a move away, while ruckman Sam Draper is expected to depart through free agency. These losses would strike at the club’s spine.
Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo admitted this week that player sentiment is critical. He told SEN that teammates’ views on Merrett’s situation would be “critical” and stressed that “bridges need to be mended.” That comment alone revealed the depth of division within the club.
Adding to the unease, teammates Mason Redman and Nic Martin openly expressed their disappointment with the saga. The unusual decision to allow players to speak candidly on the matter suggests Essendon leadership is using peer pressure as leverage.
The Financial Factor: Commitment Already Made
Coach Brad Scott has also weighed in, reminding observers that Essendon has invested heavily in Merrett. “We’ve raised his salary twice over the past three seasons,” Scott told Fox Footy’s AFL 360. “The expectation is that he sees out his contract, which runs until 2027.”
That contract is central. Merrett is bound to Essendon for another two years, and under AFL rules the Bombers are under no obligation to release him. But in practice, forcing a captain to stay against his will risks tearing apart the culture of the club.
Why Merrett Wants Out
So why now? According to Morris and other insiders, the reason is simple: success. Merrett has been at Essendon for 12 years and has yet to taste meaningful finals glory. With his 30th birthday looming, he believes the Bombers’ “runway” for success is too short.
“He feels like it’s too hard to be in a successful team at Essendon now,” Morris explained. “He wants to play in a side that can win finals and maybe a flag. It’s not about money—it’s about winning.”
That sentiment echoes across the AFL landscape. Veteran stars nearing the twilight of their careers often look for one last chance at premiership success. Examples include Luke Hodge’s shift to Brisbane and Patrick Dangerfield’s earlier move to Geelong.
The Trade Equation: What Would Essendon Demand?
If Merrett does force a trade, the next question is: what is he worth? Industry analysts believe the starting price would be at least two first-round draft picks—one this year, one next. Essendon may also demand a player in return. But very few clubs have both the draft capital and the appetite to meet such a steep asking price.
Hawthorn, the club linked to Merrett this week, has an emerging list and cap space to pursue a deal. But convincing Essendon to part with their captain would require not just a blockbuster package but also an acknowledgment that they are losing one of the greatest players in their modern history.
The Best and Fairest Dilemma
Adding to the spectacle, Merrett is on track to claim his sixth Crichton Medal as Essendon’s best and fairest. Yet sources suggest he may boycott the event. If that happens, it would create one of the most awkward nights in recent club history—celebrating a champion who may be actively trying to leave.
The symbolism would be devastating. Fans already restless after years of mediocrity could see their captain walk out on the night of his crowning achievement.
Public Perception and Reputation Risks
One of the unspoken elements here is reputation. By pursuing an exit, Merrett risks tarnishing his legacy at Essendon. As Morris pointed out, “He would know his reputation is being put through the mud. He would know if he stays, he would lose the captaincy.”
But this also underscores the seriousness of his intentions. A player of Merrett’s professionalism would not pursue such a path lightly. He understands the personal cost, yet still appears determined to push ahead.
Club Culture and Wider Implications
The Merrett saga shines a light on Essendon’s broader struggles. Two of the most professional players at the club—Merrett and Ridley—are seeking exits. For a club that has prided itself on resilience since its founding in 1872, this is a damning signal.
If the Bombers cannot retain their captain, it could set a precedent for future stars to demand moves. Culture, already fragile after years of poor finals performances, would face an even sterner test.
The Bigger Picture: AFL Player Power Rising
This episode also reflects a growing trend in the AFL: the rise of player power. Stars in their prime or near the end of their careers are increasingly willing to force the hands of clubs. Contracts, once seen as binding, are now more fluid. With free agency and trade rules evolving, clubs face unprecedented pressure to keep players satisfied or risk losing them for less than full value.
What Comes Next?
For Essendon, the immediate strategy is defiance. Barham’s statement drew a line in the sand: the club will not be bullied into releasing its captain. But the reality is more complex. If Merrett makes his position public, the Bombers’ bargaining strength weakens. A drawn-out standoff could harm the club’s preseason and distract from its push to return to finals.
For Merrett, the next step is crucial. Will he break his silence and declare his trade intentions? Or will he allow speculation to simmer while Hawthorn—or another club—positions itself to strike?
Either way, the saga has already reshaped the conversation around Essendon’s future. As the AFL finals play out, one of the league’s most decorated midfielders is waging a battle not only for his own career but also for the soul of a club that has long struggled to reclaim past glories.
At this stage, Essendon’s refusal to entertain trade discussions has hardened, while Merrett’s desire for success remains undiminished. The clash of these two forces will determine not only the fate of one of the AFL’s brightest stars but also the trajectory of a proud club at a crossroads. The coming weeks will reveal whether loyalty or ambition ultimately wins.
