Essendon president Dave Barham has hit back at claims Zach Merrett’s future is “only going one way” as the Bombers skipper pushes for a bombshell trade.
Nine’s Tom Morris, who first reported Merrett met with Hawthorn officials this week, said the saga was turning into a “really ugly war” between the star midfielder and the Bombers.
Speaking on SEN radio on Friday morning, Morris believes all signs are pointing to Merrett departing Tullamarine, with the potential for the gun on-baller to even speak publicly of his desire to be traded.
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“Make no mistake, this is the Christian Petracca situation on steroids,” Morris said on SEN’s Fireball.
“Petracca last year was desperate to get out (of Melbourne), he was talking to everyone behind the scenes. I think Merrett is very much willing to go a step further.
“Which is eventually speak publicly, maybe. Not go to the best and fairest. And really make it impossible for Essendon to do anything else but look at a trade, if the deal is right.
“This is only going one way, I reckon.
“Essendon can say whatever they want at the moment, and obviously they can hold him if they want to. But the way this is tracking, I think it’s more likely he’s not there.
“I don’t know exactly when he’s going to talk or even if he’s entirely settled on talking. I just know if you’re going to fully blow this thing up, even more than he’s doing at the moment, speaking publicly and voicing your desire to get out is necessary.”
Merrett is seeking a trade away from Essendon (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
But in a statement released on Friday afternoon, Barham was adamant his skipper was “not for trade”.
“Let me be clear. Zach Merrett is contracted to our football club and our position is clear, he is not for trade,” he wrote to club members.
“Zach has been an outstanding player for Essendon over a long period and will go down in history as one of our best ever players. We are committed to him, and we expect his commitment to our club to continue.
“This club, with its proud 153-year history, is bigger than any single player, coach, or administrator. While champions have come and gone, the club has always endured and that will continue for the next 153 years. No one is bigger than the club.”
The statement comes after Morris also revealed earlier this week people close to Merrett believe he’s unlikely to attend the club’s best and fairest in what could make for an awkward result, given the 29-year old is likely to win his sixth Crichton Medal.
And the narrative has only turned more sour.
Essendon duo Mason Redman and Nic Martin on Thursday spoke on record about their disappointment with the situation after CEO Craig Vozzo suggested earlier this week Merrett’s teammates would have the most “critical” say on a possible trade and that “bridges need to be mended” between the two parties.
Bombers coach Brad Scott also said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 he expected Merrett to see through his contract until 2027 after the club raised his salary twice over the past three seasons.
Mitchell coy over Merrett meeting | 00:56
Morris believes the main reason for Merrett wanting to move to another club is to chase success.
“The real reason is exactly what (SEN journalist) Sam Edmund said the other night when he spoke to (Merrett’s) manager (Tom Petroro from TGI Sport),” he added.
“He feels like the runway is too short for success at Essendon. It’s too hard for him to be in a successful team now, given he turns 30 in a couple of weeks time.
“He wants to play in a successful side that can play finals and maybe win a flag. He’s been (at Essendon) for 12 years.
“We know it’s not about money, it’s purely about success and about winning. And he’s to blow up to do it.”
So how does Hawthorn — or another club — get a deal done?
“I don’t know what sort of trade can satisfy Essendon for Zach Merrett. But I’d imagine the starting point would be two first rounders — one this year, one next year and they’d probably want more as well,” Morris continued.
“Look at all the players coming out now speaking about the Merrett situation, look at Brad Scott and Craig Vozzo speak about the situation.
“This is becoming a really ugly war between the captain and an all-time great of the club, who’s about to win his sixth best and fairest, and one of the biggest football clubs in the country.
“It’s amazing to watch it unfold.”
It comes ahead of an eventful off-season for the Bombers regarding player movement, with Sam Draper to depart in free agency and Jordan Ridley also reportedly seeking a trade.
“I think what’s important to note with this is he’s a deep thinking, competitive, really driven sort of guy,” Morris added of Merrett.
“There’s no way he’s doing this and is adamant he needs to get out, without understanding the ramifications behind it.
“He would know his reputation is being put through the mud. He would know if he happens to stay, he would lose the captaincy.
“And what does that say about much how wants to get out and about the Essendon Football Club?
“If you compare him and Jordan Ridley — two of the most professional players at the club who both want to leave — I think that reflects really poorly on the Bombers.”