Overview

• Former Bombers Tim Watson and Matthew Lloyd say a move to Hawthorn now looks unlikely, with Watson "convinced" Merrett will stay.
• Merrett has not lodged an official trade request as the window enters its final two days.
• Reports say Merrett met Essendon coach Brad Scott and senior officials on Monday, with no clear progress since.
• Hawthorn have not put forward terms that would "turn Essendon's head," and AFL Trade Radio described a deal as a "long, long, long shot" before Wednesday 7:30pm.
• If no trade occurs, Essendon must manage reintegration and captaincy dynamics, while an Age column urges Hawthorn to overpay if they still want him.