Overview

• The Essendon captain remains with the Bombers after requesting a move, with the trade period closing without an agreement and two seasons left on his contract.
• Nine's Tom Morris reported Essendon sought picks 10 and 22, two future first-rounders and a future second-rounder for Zach Merrett.
• AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey reported Hawthorn's final offer as picks 10 and 22, a future first-round pick and Henry Hustwaite in exchange for Merrett and a future third-round pick.
• Former club figures Tim Watson and James Hird backed Essendon’s firm stance while stressing the need for relationship repair, with Hird saying Merrett should not be stripped of the captaincy.
• Sporting News reported manager Tom Petroro may revisit a trade next year, as Essendon turns to the draft with selections 5, 6, 21, 27, 30, 83 and 101.