As the dramatic fallout from his failed trade request to Hawthorn continues, Essendon star Zach Merrett has parted with his manager Tom Petroro.
The Age’s Sam McClure reports that midfielder has terminated his arrangement with the TGI Sport manager.
Petroro was the unexpected star of the trade period’s deadline day, seen on cameras moving back and forth between Essendon and Hawthorn as he attempted to get the trade over the line.
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He was ultimately unsuccessful, expressing visible frustration towards both clubs throughout the evening.
Tom Petroro in animated discussions with Hawthorn at the trade deadline. AFL
Merrett, contracted to the Bombers until 2027, a six-time best and fairest winner and long-time captain, requested a trade to Hawthorn purely on the basis of wanting to chase a premiership before the end of his career.
However, the two teams have one of the most bitter rivalries in the AFL, and the idea of an Essendon captain jumping ship to the Hawks to chase individual success did not sit well at Tullamarine.
New club president Andrew Welsh said he would refuse to trade Merrett, and proved to be a man of his word.
The Hawks offered picks 10 and 22, a future first round pick and young midfielder Henry Hustwaite, but were ultimately rejected at the deadline buzzer.
In the aftermath, Merrett was forced to return to the Bombers. He stood down as captain, a role that has been taken over by defender Andrew McGrath.
Zach Merrett and Andrew McGrath. Â Getty
And now he has parted ways with Petroro, who suggested after the trade period that the 30-year-old would likely attempt to leave the Dons again at the end of 2026.
According to The Age, Merrett is set to reunite with his former manager Nick Gieschen.
He has played 251 games for the Dons and was named captain in 2023.
Essendon and Hawthorn will meet in round one of the 2026 season, in what looms as an awkward situation for Merrett.