Bombers gun’s new deal reveal... even before a trade; rival circling Blues big man — Whispers

Zach Merrett has already agreed to a deal with Hawthorn, while Collingwood is said to be circling a recent Carlton recruit.

Get the latest AFL player movement news in Trade Whispers!

Watch every match of the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

BOMBERS GUN’S NEW DEAL REVEAL... EVEN BEFORE A TRADE

Zach Merrett will sign a four-year deal worth over $1 million a season at Hawthorn.

He has to be traded there, given he’s contracted for another year at Essendon, but it’s widely expected a deal will get done this trade period after last year’s dramatic scenes.

SEN’s Sam Edmund reports Merrett and the Hawks have already agreed to the deal, with the former club captain speaking with new Essendon coach Mark McVeigh over the past few weeks.

“I think it’s really important we understand the players’ feelings,” McVeigh said last month.

“It’s not just about the club’s feelings, it’s about his feelings and where he’s at. I respect him, I want him to be here, but I’ll listen to him as well.”

Last year the Bombers knocked back an offer of picks 10, 22, a future first-round pick (which would’ve been in the late teens) and Henry Hustwaite in exchange for Merrett and a future third.

Merrett had a reasonable 2026 season but did not spend as much time in the midfield and, after turning 31 earlier this month, will have less trade value.

On Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph declared Merrett “will get to Hawthorn”.

“(Sam Mitchell was saying) we’ll get you this time, we’ll right the wrongs of last year. We couldn’t give up four first rounders,” Ralph said on Tuesday night.

“Everyone is talking about a side deal with Zak Butters, well what might happen with Ben King getting to Hawthorn is a side deal for pick 7. Similar, pick 7 as compensation. There might be a separate deal that happens there.

“What would happen – Hawthorn would have three first rounders and this year, three second rounders.

“They will have ample arsenal to get a Merrett deal done this time around.”

Logan Morris signs contact extension | 02:42

RIVAL CIRCLING BLUES BIG MAN

Collingwood is chasing Carlton mid-year draftee Flynn Riley, who has been offered a two-year deal to remain in navy blue.

AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge reports the ruckman, who went Pick 4 in the mid-season draft, had interest from the Magpies at that time.

Riley’s management want a three-year contract with a trigger for a fourth but Carlton is said to be unwilling to improve its offer.

He made his AFL debut in the Round 18 loss to Hawthorn.