Overview

• Hawthorn lodged a formal proposal for Zach Merrett featuring pick 9, a future first-rounder, a future second-round pick and either pick 61 or young midfielder Henry Hustwaite.
• The Hawks set a 7pm deadline for Essendon to respond and indicated they would start talks to trade pick 9 to rival clubs if there was no engagement.
• Essendon has not entered negotiations and restated its stance, with a club spokesperson saying, "Our position has not changed."
• Coverage differs on Merrett’s actions, with one report stating he formally asked for a trade on Tuesday and others saying no official request has been made, after he met Essendon officials at The Hangar.
• Prominent former Bombers Tim Watson and Matthew Lloyd now doubt a deal will occur, and no agreement was in place heading into the final-day deadline on Wednesday evening.