Hawthorn are the red-hot favourites for disgruntled Essendon captain Zach Merrett, but they may now have to fend off competing interest from their semi-final opponent, the Adelaide Crows.
The Hawks' pursuit of Merrett has ramped up in the last week, with the 29-year-old now believed to have his heart set on joining Hawthorn in the upcoming trade period.
Despite recent leaking from both camps souring the relationship between Merrett and the Bombers, Essendon have continued to maintain that their skipper will not be dealt.
But according to a report from Seven's Caroline Wilson, this has not deterred the Crows from potentially asking the question about Merrett.
MORE: Zach Merrett trade: Could Essendon captain join a club other than Hawthorn?
"I also don't believe that Hawthorn are the only club in this conversation now. And I'm in fact certain, that the Adelaide Football Club have joined the conversation," Wilson told The Agenda Setters on Tuesday night.
"They have a serious list management meeting on Thursday. They are not the club they thought they were three weeks ago... They need to bolster their midfield.
"Zach isn't taking my calls at the moment. I don't know what he thinks about Adelaide. But if I was Zach, I would be looking at Adelaide. Adelaide's a good footy club, they need a midfielder.
"They spoke about him today... They said to me that 'It would be wrong to say that we're actively pursuing this, but yes we are in the conversation.'"
"The Adelaide Football Club have joined the conversation (for Zach Merrett)."
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 16, 2025
🗣️ Caroline Wilson on Zach Merrett's future pic.twitter.com/ezDnLnkLLB
Adelaide bowed out of the finals last Friday night, with their midfield rotation exposed against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.
MORE: 'Pi**ed off:' Buddy Franklin weighs in on Zach Merrett trade saga at Essendon
The Crows are believed to be exploring options on how to improve their engine room, with Melbourne star Christian Petracca also floated as a potential trade target.
According to the Herald Sun's Jay Clark, the door has been shut on Merrett potentially returning to the Bombers next season, with the relationship between club and player quickly growing toxic.
Essendon still have the ability to keep him to his contract if they wish, but there are concerns keeping him could damage the club's culture.
Adelaide entering the sweepstakes for Merrett will be encouraging news for Bombers fans, as it could force other suitors, such as Hawthorn, to offer more for the superstar's services at the trade table.