Essendon Football Club is reportedly “really worried” about the future of their captain, Zach Merrett, as interest from Hawthorn, a premiership contender, intensifies. Meanwhile, Carlton’s Jesse Motlop is considering an interstate move, with Port Adelaide expressing interest.
The speculation surrounding Merrett’s future has grown louder since Essendon’s 2025 season ended on a disappointing note. The 29-year-old captain is reportedly frustrated with the club’s ongoing struggles, highlighted by a 13-game losing streak that concluded their year.
Essendon’s Captain Under Pressure
The uncertainty over Merrett’s future comes as Hawthorn reportedly seeks to bolster their squad with experienced talent ahead of the 2026 season. Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reported that Essendon’s concerns are mounting as their skipper weighs his loyalty to the club against the allure of premiership success.
“I think Essendon are really worried about this. They continue to say there is absolutely no way that they’re going to trade their captain, and they will not entertain a trade for their captain,” Wilson told Seven on Monday night.
Merrett, a five-time Essendon best and fairest winner, has played 251 games without experiencing finals success, a factor contributing to his restlessness. Hawthorn’s interest in Merrett has reportedly been ongoing for several weeks, further fueling speculation.
Port Adelaide’s Interest in Jesse Motlop
In a separate development, Port Adelaide has reportedly shown interest in Carlton’s small forward Jesse Motlop. The 21-year-old is currently out of contract and evaluating his options, with Port Adelaide emerging as a potential destination due to personal ties.
Motlop’s father, Daniel, played 83 games for Port Adelaide after a stint at North Melbourne, creating a unique connection to the club. Despite Motlop’s preference to remain at Carlton, stalled contract negotiations have left the door open for other clubs to express interest.
Seven’s Xander McGuire reported, “While the 21-year-old’s preference is still to stay at Ikon Park, the stalling of contract negotiations in recent times has left the door ajar for the Power to enter the race for his services.”
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
Both Essendon and Carlton face significant decisions as they navigate player movements and contract negotiations. For Essendon, retaining Merrett is crucial to maintaining leadership stability, but the lure of a premiership opportunity may prove too tempting for the captain.
Meanwhile, Carlton has already begun reshaping their roster, with several players delisted and others, including Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, expected to leave through free agency. The potential departure of Motlop would further impact the club’s forward line dynamics.
As the AFL trade period approaches, clubs will continue to position themselves strategically, balancing player retention with the pursuit of new talent. The outcomes of these negotiations will likely shape the competitive landscape for the 2026 season and beyond.
With the trade whispers growing louder, all eyes will be on Essendon and Carlton as they make pivotal decisions regarding their players’ futures. The unfolding drama highlights the complexities and high stakes involved in AFL player movements.
