Essendon traded former captain Zach Merrett to Hawthorn in a shock late trade on the first day of the 2026 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, finalised in the closing moments of Monday 5 October 2026.
Essendon president Andrew Welsh had warned Hawthorn not to get "too cute with us again" during the negotiations. His comments came before Essendon and Hawthorn reached agreement on terms.
Merrett had publicly pushed for a trade to Hawthorn during the 2025 trade period. That request was unsuccessful at the time, and the saga stretched on for twelve months before Monday's deal was reached.
In return for Merrett, Essendon received Pick 15 and Pick 25 in the 2026 Telstra AFL National Draft, along with a 2028 second-round pick tied to Hawthorn.
Merrett has signed a four-year contract with Hawthorn, reportedly worth about $4 million. The deal also includes a trigger clause that could extend his stay to a fifth season.
Merrett is a seven-time Essendon best-and-fairest winner. He is also a former captain of the club, a role he held before this week's trade.
The AFL confirmed the trade through an announcement from AFL House, formally approving the exchange of picks between Essendon and Hawthorn.
The 2026 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period continues until 14 October 2026.