Hawthorn defender Blake Hardwick has taken aim at the Bombers, implying the club is like a prison in a deleted Instagram story.
Hardwick would’ve been hoping to have a new teammate when Bombers captain Zach Merrett made his intentions clear he’d like to join the club.
However, early in the trade period Essendon was steadfast in its statement that Merrett wasn’t leaving.
READ MORE: Titmus announces shock retirement at 25
READ MORE: Inside the frantic final moments of Curnow trade
READ MORE: Ex-Storm beast confirms R360 approach
Despite Hawthorn’s offer on deadline day, Essendon didn’t accept. The Bombers were well within their rights considering the captain is contracted until the end of 2027.
In the aftermath, Hardwick posted a photo of Essendon’s logo and captioned it ‘Alcatraz’.
Zach Merrett and Blake Hardwick’s story. Getty/Instagram
He deleted that story but then shared another photo of the island prison. That post has been deleted too.
Kane Cornes didn’t have a problem with the posts.
“I don’t really mind Hardwick having a crack at another club,” he said on Trade Radio.
“I wouldn’t have done it, but it’s a bit harmless. It’s kind of funny.”
With the trade period now over, Essendon has a strong draft hand with picks 5, 6, 21, 27, 30, 83, 101.
Hawthorn has 10, 22, 62, 76, 94, 112.
Hawthorn’s final offer was picks 10, 22 and a future first round pick along with Henry Hustwaite.
Essendon were hellbent on a 2027 first round pick too but that wasn’t on the table.