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It’s now or never for Zach Merrett, whose post-season has been pretty messy since his meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell last month became public.
The Essendon captain and his manager Tom Petroro met with senior Bombers at the Hangar on Monday for long discussions over his future that were part peace deal, part discussion over the likelihood of Hawthorn conjuring a deal to satisfy the club.
Brad Scott and Zach Merrett in May.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Essendon board has been firm in the fact Merrett will not be traded and that was discussed at the meeting with coach Brad Scott, list boss Matt Rosa and CEO Craig Vozzo.
Bombers great Tim Watson has delivered his thoughts on the situation, and he is convinced that six-time club champion Merrett will be staying in the red and black.
“I believe that there was a lot of brinksmanship going on regarding Zach Merrett and Essendon’s stance,” Watson said on SEN on Tuesday morning.
“I don’t believe that any more. I believe that they will not do a deal with anybody and Zach Merrett will remain an Essendon player.
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“I am convinced that is the case and that is exactly what will happen. There’s a conditioning process that’s probably been undertaken to this point.
“Hawthorn haven’t been able to pony up, they haven’t come forward with anything that’s going to turn Essendon’s head in any way. But even if they did I don’t believe they’d actually do the deal now anyway.
“In my mind right now he’s 100 per cent an Essendon player next season and beyond.
“They can worry about how they bring him back in the fold and alleviate any concerns that he has about where they’re at right now.
“But they want him to remain and he will remain an Essendon player.”
