‘Conditioning process’: doubts grow on Merrett trade
Roger Vaughan |
Zach Merrett might be going nowhere, with two Essendon greats now thinking his blockbuster AFL trade to Hawthorn will not happen.
On the eve of the Wednesday 7.30pm deadline, former Bombers captain Tim Watson said he is now “convinced” Merrett will not leave for the Hawks.
Matthew Lloyd, another ex-Essendon great, also now is “starting to get a bit ‘stay'”.
News of Merrett’s meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell last month stunned the AFL. The Essendon captain’s awkward acceptance speech a few days ago when he won his sixth club best-and-fairest award sounded a lot like a farewell.
But the Bombers have been adamant that Merrett is not leaving. He is yet to formally ask for a trade and there has been nothing public from the Hawks about a deal.
The speculation had been that Monday would be a key day if the trade was to happen. Other than Merrett reportedly meeting with key club officials, there were no public developments.
“I believe that there was a lot of brinksmanship going on regarding Zach Merrett and Essendon’s stance,” Watson told SEN on Tuesday morning.
“I don’t believe that any more. I believe that they will not do a deal with anybody and Zach Merrett will remain an Essendon player.
“I am convinced that is the case and that is exactly what will happen. There’s a conditioning process that’s probably been undertaken to this point.
“In my mind right now he’s 100 per cent an Essendon player next season and beyond.”
Watson said that even if the Hawks were able to “turn Essendon’s head” with an offer, the Bombers would reject it.
Hawthorn made a preliminary final last month and Merrett is seen as a major midfield boost that would put them firmly in premiership contention.
Should Merrett stay, the next steps will be rebuilding any burned bridges and whether he stays captain.
“They can worry about how they bring him back in the fold and alleviate any concerns that he has about where they’re at right now,” Watson said.
“But they want him to remain and he will remain an Essendon player.”
Likewise, Lloyd is now leaning towards the trade not happening.
“I’ve been 100 per cent that he will go and end up at Hawthorn. But I’m starting to get a bit ‘stay’ on that, just because my mail is that Hawthorn haven’t presented anything close enough for the Bombers to consider,” Lloyd told the Trade Off podcast.
“(Hawthorn) would want to change that soon.”
Carlton key forward Charlie Curnow is another big trade period topic. He visited Sydney’s headquarters on Monday and Geelong are also keen to recruit the Coleman Medallist.
Deals are also yet to be done for Melbourne midfield stars Christian Petracca (Gold Coast) and Clayton Oliver (GWS).
AAP
