Leading AFL pundit Kane Cornes has handed Zach Merrett a stunning reality check amid reports he wants to agree a new deal with Essendon. Merrett made it clear last year that he wanted out of the club but failed to force through a trade to Hawthorn in the off-season.
The protracted saga ruffled more than a few feathers at Essendon and Merrett stepped down as captain after the role became untenable. Despite Hawthorn’s interest in the star midfielder, the Bombers held firm in the knowledge he’s contracted at the club until the end of 2027.
Zach Merrett has reportedly opened talks with Essendon about a new deal after making it clear last year that he wanted out of the AFL club. Pic: Getty
The Hawks were willing to offer Essendon’s six-time best and fairest winner a a big-money deal to make the switch. And many expect Hawthorn to revisit their interest in Merrett later this year.
But former AFL player Cam Mooney said he expected Merrett to win back the support of Essendon fans and teammates with another strong year in 2026. And there are signs that is already happening, with reports Merrett now wants to stay at the Dons long-term.
The AFL website reported that “preliminary talks” have begun between Merrett’s new management team and Essendon, about an extension beyond 2027. However, Port Adelaide great Cornes claims there is “zero reason” for the Bombers to hand the former skipper a new deal after labelling it a “bizarre” development.
Kane Cornes slams ‘bizarre’ Zach Merrett twist at Essendon
“It’s like someone set fire to their own house and blew the whole thing up in a violent explosion, (got) caught red-handed doing it and then walked into the insurance company and submitted a claim and asked for the money for the damage,” Cornes said. “I think Essendon (should) just play it really smart, and I don’t think they need to extend him in any way.
“I mean, this is a guy who’s demanded extra money and contract negotiations when he’s had a long-term deal (already). He’s got two years left, by the time that contract expires he’s going to be well into his 30s and who knows what shape he’s going to be in.
“Look, I’m confident he’ll play for a long time but Essendon played it so well throughout the trade period. You’ve got him for two more years, there is zero reason for Essendon to need to be renegotiating the contract… Just worry about it in 18 months’ time. It’s going to be tough to beat that as the funniest and most bizarre storyline of the year.”
Zach Merrett (L) is reportedly in talks with Essendon about a new deal after indicating he wanted out of the club last year. Pic: Getty
(Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Merrett has held clear-the-air talks with senior players after dumping former manager Tom Petroro. And Dons defender Mason Redman admits his attitude towards the former skipper has shifted after the initial frustrations around his trade request.
“Since he’s been back at the club we couldn’t have asked for a better reintroduction to the group,” Redman told 7News. “The knowledge that he always brings on the field is unmatched and we know going into the season that he’s going to be at his absolute best again yet again.”