There are fresh rumblings surrounding Zach Merrett’s future at Essendon, with reports indicating a “high degree of disillusionment” from the Bombers’ skipper. Meanwhile, a trio of clubs are reportedly interested in a Richmond defender, adding to the intrigue of the AFL trade period.
Renewed Interest in Essendon Captain Zach Merrett
Clubs are once again closely monitoring Zach Merrett’s situation following another disappointing season for Essendon, which managed only six wins amid a slew of injuries. According to Jay Clark of the Herald Sun, there is “renewed interest” in Merrett, who is contracted with the Bombers through the 2027 season. The club recently met with its star midfielder to discuss long-term plans.
Damian Barrett of Nine reported a significant level 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 shared on Nine’s Footy Classified.
Barrett added, “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.”
Last year, St Kilda reportedly made a substantial offer to Merrett, which was eventually dismissed by all parties involved. Currently, the Saints, along with Hawthorn and Collingwood, are linked to a potential pursuit of the 251-game veteran.
Essendon’s Broader Challenges
The revelation regarding Merrett comes on the heels of reports that Jordan Ridley has expressed interest in exploring a trade to the Brisbane Lions. Additionally, teammate Sam Draper is expected to depart for either Brisbane or Adelaide, with the Lions appearing to be the favored destination.
St Kilda is actively pursuing several players this October, including Jack Silvagni, Leek Aleer, Liam Ryan, and Sam Flanders, having already informally secured Tom De Koning. Meanwhile, the Hawks are reportedly ready to invest heavily in a big-name player, with Christian Petracca of the Demons being a potential target.
Three Clubs Pursuing Richmond’s Tylar Young
Richmond defender Tylar Young has attracted interest from three clubs, according to Jon Ralph of the Herald Sun. North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs, and West Coast are all reportedly in the chase for the developing intercept defender. Each of these teams has a long-term need to fill at the position.
Young, 26, played seven senior games in the latter half of this year after recovering from a ruptured ACL in 2024. Although he is out of contract at Richmond, he is not yet eligible for free agency, meaning any departure would need to occur via trade or through the drafts.
Despite injury challenges, the Tigers are set to re-sign Young’s backline teammate Campbell Gray on a two-year deal. However, utility player Jacob Blight’s future remains uncertain as he seeks a new contract. Richmond faces a potential logjam at the key defender position, with Ben Miller and Young securing spots, Noah Balta’s versatility, and Josh Gibcus returning to the fold.
Looking Ahead: The Trade Period’s Potential Impact
The developments around Merrett and Young highlight the dynamic nature of the AFL trade period. As clubs strategize to strengthen their rosters, the potential movement of key players like Merrett and Young could significantly impact team dynamics and performance in the upcoming season.
With the trade deadline approaching in mid-October, clubs will continue to negotiate and make strategic decisions that could reshape the league’s landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these potential moves unfold and what they mean for the future of the AFL.
