Overview

• Zach Merrett met face-to-face with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell this week as he explores his future following Essendon’s poor season.
• Brad Scott confirmed on national TV that Merrett is under contract for two more seasons and reiterated the club’s stance that he will not be traded.
• Merrett’s manager, Tom Petroro, said the midfielder is driven by a late-career push for success as he weighs his options.
• Hawthorn is pursuing midfield reinforcements, with Mitchell declining to detail contact while expressing confidence in the club’s list-building efforts.
• Essendon greats Tim Watson and James Hird urged Merrett to clarify his intentions, warning of potential damage if uncertainty lingers.