There are fresh rumblings around Zach Merrett’s future at Tullamarine amid a report stating “a high degree of disillusionment”.

Meanwhile, a trio of clubs are thought to be circling a Richmond defender.

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‘RENEWED INTEREST’ IN DONS SKIPPER

Clubs are once again “closely monitoring” Zach Merrett’s situation following another empty Essendon season in which it managed only six wins amid injury decimation.

According to the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark, there is “renewed interest” in the Bombers’ skipper — who is contracted through the 2027 season — with the club recently meeting with its star midfielder to discuss its long-term plans.

Nine’s Damian Barrett later on Monday night reported there was “a high degree of disillusionment” from Merrett.

“The years of not winning, and the years of problems at the Essendon Football Club have left him in the situation, now, where he is continuing to reflect where he’s at, and where the club is at,” Barrett told Nine’s Footy Classified.

“I now fully expect, on what I’ve been told in the last fortnight, that the clubs that have previously come for Zach Merrett will attempt to do so again, and that there will be a lot to play out between now and the close of the trade deadline in mid-October.”

It was reported at roughly this time last year that St Kilda had lobbed a ‘godfather’ offer Merrett’s way, before the notion of a potential move was shut down by all parties.

On Monday night, the Saints, alongside Hawthorn and Collingwood, were the clubs “linked” to a play for the 251-gamer, per the Herald Sun report.

St Kilda is in the hunt for numerous rival names this October, including Jack Silvagni, Leek Aleer, Liam Ryan and Sam Flanders, having already informally secured Tom De Koning.

The Hawks are set to be flush with cash and will soon look to splash it on a big-name player, having also been linked to contracted Demons star Christian Petracca.

The revelation comes just a day after it was reported that Jordan Ridley told the Dons he wanted to explore a trade to the Brisbane Lions.

Meanwhile, teammate Sam Draper is expected to depart the Hangar for one of Brisbane and Adelaide, with the Lions again thought to be favoured.

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THREE CLUBS ‘CHASING’ TIGER

A trio of clubs are said to be in the “chase” for Richmond defender Tylar Young.

According to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph, the teams eyeing the developing intercept defender are North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and West Coast — each of whom has a long-term need to fill at the position.

Young, 26, played seven senior games in the back half of this year after recovering from a ruptured ACL in 2024.

He is out of contract at Tigerland but not yet eligible for free agency, meaning any departure would have to come via trade or by walking to the drafts.

Ralph added that the Tigers will re-sign Young’s backline teammate Campbell Gray on a two-year deal despite injury struggles this season, while utility Jacob Blight remains in flux in terms of earning a new deal.

There’s set to be a logjam at the key defender position at Richmond, with Ben Miller and Young holding down spots, Noah Balta capable of playing at either end, and former top draft pick Josh Gibcus returning to the fold.