Essendon captain Zach Merrett has revealed how 'difficult' it has been as he seeks a trade to Hawthorn for the 2026 season.
The Bombers midfielder has been in the process of engineering a move to the Hawks, but the decision appears to have soured plenty at Essendon, including team-mates Mason Redman and Nic Martin.
In an interview conducted just prior to the Brownlow Medal, Merrett spoke of how uncomfortable the last few weeks have been, but how he had enjoyed the support from the Bombers.
"It’s been a difficult time for me and my family when you’re dealing with things largely in the media," Merrett told Fox Sports News
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"I’ve had constant dialogue with the club, I’ve felt their support behind closed doors — which has been incredible — and I’ve had some amazing messages from a number of people in the footy world, but also broader than that.
"It’s been difficult, but it’s the industry we’re in. I understand that. It’s different to being critiqued for kicks and handballs, so we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks."
When pressed about specifics surrounding his potential move to Hawthorn, Merrett was more guarded in his words.
"There’s probably broader things than that. I’ll go into detail at a later date, but for the moment right now, I’ll get through tonight, wake up tomorrow and get back to training," he said.
"There’ll be conversations and meetings had away from the media behind closed doors with the appropriate stakeholders, and we’ll see where it lands."
After being asked about whether anything had changed since news of his preference to leave emerged, Merrett made a denial and gave a diplomatic answer about his future.
"I still feel the love. It’s a place that I absolutely adore and have for 12 years."
"What happens beyond that, I don’t know. But I still love it regardless. I still feel like Brad has love for me and support for me. So, we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks as we work through what’s next for all of us — but there’s plenty of factors at play, and a fair bit of uncertainty as well."