Ex-Essendon star Jake Stringer has used social media to troll the Bombers' fight to keep captain Zach Merrett, before deleting his post after it went widespread.
With Merrett's wishes to leave the club and join Hawthorn becoming public in recent days, GWS forward Stringer posted a popcorn emoji on an AFL Instagram post displaying a quote from Bombers veteran Mason Redman.
The quote from Redman stated: "It's a [a feeling of] disappointment that our captain, who is supposed to be leading us through this, is exploring other options."
Stringer has since deleted the post, however it is unclear whether that was because of his own volition or a request from the Giants.
MORE: Zach Merrett considering nuclear option to escape Essendon
Sacked Bomber turned star Fremantle forward Patrick Voss also commented on Stringer's post with the peaking-through-the-hands emoji.
Voss was drafted by Essendon as a rookie in 2022 but was delisted at the end of the 2023 season, despite winning the Bombers' VFL best-and-fairest and being leading goalkicker.
He joined the Dockers in 2024 and enjoyed a quality season in 2025, kicking 37 goals in 20 matches.
Despite Merrett considering not attending Essendon's awards night to agitate for a move, coach Brad Scott has stated the club will not trade their captain.
“The reality is that this time last year, we recommitted to Zach,” Scott said on AFL 360.
“So, for the second time in three years, we changed his remuneration to reflect his brilliant performance and his terrific leadership.
“So, we committed to him and he committed to us. I came and made a commitment to the club. I intend to see my commitment through, and I expect our captain to do the same.”