What are the Bombers still fighting for? It’s time to let Merrett go

October 5, 2026 — 2:36pm

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There is a point in any negotiation when resolve begins to look like stubbornness. When holding firm ceases to be a demonstration of strength and instead becomes an exercise in proving that strength exists.

Essendon are approaching that point with Zach Merrett.

The former skipper wants to leave (again). Hawthorn want him (again). Essendon knows it. Everyone in football knows it.

So what, exactly, are the Bombers still fighting for?

President Andrew Welsh has again talked tough, warning Hawthorn not to “fumble” negotiations, not to get “too cute” and declaring that Essendon “won’t be crumbling”.

He reminded Hawthorn that Merrett is Essendon’s best player. That he is contracted. That last year’s attempt to prise him out of Tullamarine failed.

But none of it changes the most important fact in this entire saga: Merrett wants out.

At some point the Bombers need to stop trying to win the negotiation and start trying to........

© Brisbane Times