Hawthorn shoudl aggressively pursue Essendon‘s Zach merrett, according to James Sicily, a key figure within the Hawks’ leadership group. Sicily’s strong endorsement comes as Merrett publicly expresses interest in a potential move to the Hawthorn Football Club.
The potential acquisition of Merrett represents a notable opportunity for Hawthorn to bolster its midfield and accelerate its rebuild. Merrett, a prolific ball-winner and respected leader at Essendon, could provide both on-field impact and valuable experience for the Hawks’ younger players. This advancement occurs during a crucial period for both clubs, with Hawthorn aiming to return to premiership contention and Essendon navigating its own list changes.
sicily stated that overlooking Merrett would be a misstep for Hawthorn, signaling a strong belief in the player’s ability to contribute to the team’s success. The news broke on September 16, 2025, with Sicily’s comments surfacing amidst ongoing discussions about player movement within the AFL.