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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. 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?
WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. 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. 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.
“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 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.
“ 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. 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.
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.
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Trade Whispers: AFL 'split' over Butters side deal; Giants open to offers for gun duo, Lions star's big call on futureA mooted side deal that could unlock Zak Butters' Bulldogs move has the AFL world talking. So, what's the AFL's response? Plus the Giants are open to offers for a gun duo, and a Lions star has made a big call on his future.Watch every match of the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports |WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.The AFL is reportedly "split down the middle" regarding the mooted Todd Marshall side deal that could unlock Zak Butters' move to the Western Bulldogs. AFL journalist Tom Morris reports that Port utility Marshall could be involved in a separate deal centred around the two Bulldogs first-round picks - Pick 13 and a future first-rounder - going back to Alberton. It would effectively be part of a bigger package of three first-rounders for Butters if Port didn't match the superstar's free agency offer and received Pick 5 as compensation.Ralphy breaks down Butters $19.8M deal | 01:33 Speaking on SEN radio on Tuesday morning, reporter Sam Edmund said the proposal had drawn a mixed response from league headquarters. "The AFL were already aware of this proposed deal before it became public. I'm told they're largely split down the middle as to how they're receiving it," Edmund said. "AFL CEO Andrew Dillon in the past has told clubs he hates this sort of stuff, he's picked up the phone before."What the don't like is when the free agency window or any free agency deal is manipulated and when they are linked (with a trade)." The AFL sends an annual memo to clubs to remind them it scrutinises every trade and free agency deal. And league footy boss Greg Swann has warned teams they'll police possible side deals that manipulate free agency compensation.
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The Carlton trap door: Behind the Blues’ brutal list cullCarlton will not offer Adam Saad a contract for 2027, which brings their total player cull to 11. To put that list surgery in perspective, West Coast have made just four changes to their senior list thus far, while Essendon have made five.
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James Hird Declares No Meeting With Essendon Over Coaching RoleFormer Bombers icon James Hird confirmed he had no meeting or formal offer from Essendon for a senior coaching position, indicating he is unlikely to return to the club. Mark McVeigh was ultimately appointed, and Hird remains open to potential roles in other clubs.
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Hird Rules Out Essendon Return After Missing Coaching GigJames Hird has confirmed he has no plans to return to Essendon in any capacity after the club opted to appoint Mark McVeigh as senior coach. The former Bombers captain stated categorically that there have been no meetings or offers regarding a role and that his future lies outside of Tullamarine.
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