Essendon are “circling” a highly talented youngster, who could unlock a possible Zach Merrett deal.

Plus, the club that has made Christian Petracca its number one trade target.

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DONS EYE TRADE ‘WILDCARD’ IN MERRETT PUZZLE

North Melbourne youngster Zane Duursma would consider a fresh start at a rival club in 2026, according to the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark.

Seven’s Mitch Cleary believes clubs are “circling” the highly talented 20-year-old and that Essendon “are one to watch” as they weigh up the possibility of pairing Zane with older brother Xavier.

Duursma has played just 23 AFL games so far in his career as he has struggled to break into the senior side under Alastair Clarkson.

Duursma, who was drafted with pick 4 in the 2023 AFL Draft, remains contracted for another year at Arden Street, but Clark reports that Duursma is a potential “wildcard” in the Zach Merrett discussion, the Bombers skipper still adamant that he wants a trade to Hawthorn.

Centre bounce and sub rule to end | 00:36

Essendon has said it does not want to trade Merrett, who has met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell in recent weeks to discuss a fresh start as he chases that elusive premiership.

The Roos themselves are keen on retaining Duursma – who they drafted ahead of players such as Nick Watson, Dan Curtin and Nate Caddy – but if another club made a bold play they would consider it.

Duursma hasn’t quite settled at Arden Street and a fresh start alongside his older brother could unlock his potential at the top level.

Brisbane Lions continue Premiership tour | 01:24

TRAC NUMBER NUMBER ONE TARGET

Christian Petracca is reportedly the Gold Coast Suns’ highest priority in this year’s trade period as coach Damien Hardwick looks to add even more talent to an already stacked side, according to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.

Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca has headed to the Gold Coast to meet with the Suns, as he weighs up whether to continue his AFL career there or at Adelaide.

The Dees gun has met with both Hardwick and Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks and will make his decision for footballing reasons, rather than personal brand purposes.

But while Petracca has officially put in a trade request already, Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra insists the Dees won’t move the 2021 Norm Smith Medalist on unless another club can broker an appropriate deal.

West Coast receive extra draft pick | 00:33

Elsewhere, the club could also give Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan a lifeline to continue his AFL career.

Ugle-Hagan did not feature at AFL level this season due to personal reasons but has met with the Suns in recent days.

Twomey believes Petracca is now firmly at the top of the Suns’ priority list now ahead of Carlton spearhead Charlie Curnow, who is being heavily pursued by Sydney.

Sydney on-baller James Rowbottom is also being courted by the Suns, as Brayden Fiorini, Connor Budarick and Sam Flanders all weigh up their futures with rival clubs circling. Small forward Malcolm Rosas has requested a trade to Sydney.