Essendon Football Club is reportedly “really worried” about the future of their captain, Zach Merrett, as interest from premiership contender Hawthorn intensifies. The uncertainty comes amid a challenging period for Essendon, marked by a disappointing end to their 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Carlton’s Jesse Motlop is considering an interstate move, with Port Adelaide expressing interest. Motlop’s decision could be influenced by personal ties to the club, adding another layer of intrigue to this year’s AFL trade period.
Essendon’s Captain Under Pressure
It has been nearly two weeks since Essendon’s 2025 season concluded on a sour note, but speculation about Zach Merrett’s future continues to grow. The 29-year-old, who has been with the club for 12 years, is reportedly frustrated with Essendon’s ongoing struggles, including a 13-game losing streak that ended their season.
Hawthorn, a club in the premiership window, is reportedly keen on acquiring Merrett’s services. Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reported that Essendon is increasingly concerned about their captain’s potential departure. “There is no doubt in my mind, that the Hawthorn Football Club are looking very keenly at Zach Merrett — and have been for five or six weeks,” Wilson stated on Monday night.
“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.
These reports follow revelations by SEN’s Sam Edmund, who described Merrett as “restless” after 251 AFL games without a finals victory. This restlessness could push Merrett to seek success elsewhere, despite his long-standing loyalty to Essendon.
Jesse Motlop Weighs His Options
In another significant development, Port Adelaide has shown interest in Carlton’s Jesse Motlop. The 21-year-old small forward is currently out of contract and is evaluating his future options. Although Motlop’s preference is to remain at Ikon Park, stalled contract negotiations have opened the door for other clubs to make their case.
Seven’s Xander McGuire reported that Motlop’s connection to Port Adelaide is personal. His father, Daniel Motlop, played 83 games for the club after a stint with North Melbourne. This familial link could influence Jesse’s decision as he considers his next move.
McGuire noted that “other clubs beyond Port Adelaide are interested in Motlop, who played every single game for Carlton this year.”
Motlop’s performance in 2025 was mixed, with his scoreboard impact and physical pressure fluctuating throughout the season. He concluded the home-and-away campaign with 17 goals and 18 behinds. Carlton’s recent player movements, including the delisting of three players and the anticipated free agency exits of Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, add further complexity to Motlop’s situation.
The Broader Implications
The potential movement of key players like Merrett and Motlop could have significant implications for their respective clubs and the wider AFL landscape. Essendon’s ability to retain their captain could impact their rebuilding efforts, while Carlton’s decisions in the trade period may shape their future competitiveness.
As the AFL trade period unfolds, clubs will be keenly watching these developments. The decisions made by Merrett and Motlop could set the tone for a dynamic offseason, with clubs looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the 2026 season.
For Essendon and Carlton, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their trajectories. Both clubs face pivotal moments that could redefine their futures in the AFL.
