Zach Merrett's trade from Essendon to Hawthorn finalized after years of negotiations

Consensus Summary

Zach Merrett’s long-awaited trade from Essendon to Hawthorn was finalized on the first day of the AFL trade period, Monday, October 5, 2026. The deal saw Merrett, a seven-time Essendon Crichton Medal winner, join Hawthorn in exchange for draft picks 15 and 25 in the draft, along with a 2028 second-round pick. The move caps years of negotiations between the two clubs, with Hawthorn previously making substantial offers that were rejected by Essendon. Merrett, who turns 31 on Saturday, signed a four-year, $4 million contract with Hawthorn, marking a significant financial commitment by the club to bolster its midfield. The trade was announced just hours after Essendon’s list boss, Matt Rosa, hinted at ongoing discussions with multiple clubs about Merrett’s future, though Hawthorn ultimately secured his services.

The trade follows a dramatic year of failed negotiations in 2025, when Hawthorn made a late push for Merrett with picks 10, 22, a future first-round pick, and midfielder Henry Hustwaite, only for Essendon to reject the offer. Merrett, who had relinquished the Essendon captaincy after the failed talks, remained at the club for another season, playing all 23 games despite Essendon’s worst-ever finish with just two wins. His consistency and leadership were rewarded with a record-equaling seventh Crichton Medal, tying him with club legends Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchison. The trade also underscores Hawthorn’s ambition, as the club seeks to rebuild after finishing third in the 2026 season but falling short in the preliminary final against eventual premiers Brisbane.

Key figures in the trade expressed mixed emotions. Essendon CEO Tim Roberts praised Merrett as a 'champion' and acknowledged his legacy, stating that his name would be among the first mentioned when looking back on the club’s modern era. Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie welcomed Merrett, highlighting his elite midfield skills and leadership, which he believes will elevate the team’s standards. Merrett himself reflected on the milestone of winning seven best-and-fairest awards, calling it a 'pinch-me' moment. Meanwhile, Essendon’s list boss, Matt Rosa, had earlier downplayed the trade’s urgency, suggesting multiple clubs were interested in Merrett, though Hawthorn ultimately prevailed. The trade also leaves Essendon without its star player as they attempt to recover from their disastrous 2026 season.

While the core details of the trade are consistent across sources, there are minor discrepancies in the reporting. TheAge initially described Hawthorn’s offer as including a future second- or third-round pick, while 7News and TheWest later clarified it as a 2028 second-round pick after the deal was finalized. Additionally, TheAge noted Hawthorn’s broader trade priorities, including securing restricted free agent Ben King from Gold Coast, which could complicate their trade period if the Suns match their offer. The trade period officially opened on Monday, October 5, with the deadline set for Wednesday, October 14, though the Merrett deal was resolved within hours of the period’s start, leaving little time for further negotiations.

With the trade now complete, Hawthorn will look to integrate Merrett into their midfield as they aim to challenge for a premiership. Essendon, meanwhile, will focus on rebuilding after losing one of its most decorated players, though they announced Archie Perkins’ re-signing on a one-year deal as a potential bright spot. The move also signals Hawthorn’s commitment to long-term planning, as they balance Merrett’s arrival with other key signings like Ben King and potential additions like North Melbourne’s Josh Goater. The trade period’s early resolution suggests both clubs acted swiftly, though the broader implications for Essendon’s future and Hawthorn’s premiership ambitions remain to be seen.