Zach Merrett joins Hawthorn on four-year deal, per The Age and Herald Sun

Zach Merrett has officially joined Hawthorn on a four-year deal worth $1 million a year after moving on the opening day of the 2026 trade period, according to reporting from The Age and the Herald Sun. The 31-year-old midfielder arrives at his new club in exchange for draft selections 15 and 25, alongside a future second-round draft pick. The swift transaction stands in stark contrast to last year’s protracted and ultimately failed attempt by the player to secure a move to the Hawks.

Hawthorn Acquires Merrett After Previous Rejection

Last year, Hawthorn’s aggressive pursuit of Merrett ended in rejection on deadline day when the club offered picks 10 and 22, a future first-round selection, and recently delisted midfielder Henry Hustwaite, as detailed by the Herald Sun and The Age. This year’s negotiation moved rapidly on October 5, 2026, bypassing any protracted stalemate. The Herald Sun reported that trade heists should have the Hawks doing a victory jig given the altered terms of the acquisition.

Merrett arrives at Hawthorn after capturing a record-equalling seventh Crichton Medal as Essendon’s best and fairest player. According to SMH.com.au, Essendon’s leadership decided to reset their approach to player movement after concluding that retaining Merrett against his will created ongoing speculation and list instability, while his presence did not move the needle sufficiently on the scoreboard.

Hawthorn Targets Ben King Despite Trading Draft Picks

Fox Sports noted that Hawthorn has also been active elsewhere in the player market, with North Melbourne defender Josh Goater requesting a trade to the Hawks on a two-year deal after playing 18 games for the Kangaroos. Concurrently, Essendon engaged in further business by trading Jordan Ridley to Geelong in exchange for a 2027 first-round selection, a 2028 second-round pick, and Jack Bowes, according to SMH.com.au.

New Acquisitions Create Competition for Forward Positions

The arrival of high-profile acquisitions raises questions regarding starting positions at Waverley Park. SMH.com.au and The Age noted that securing Ben King alongside a retained Calsher Dear creates a tight squeeze for a forward line that already features Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, and Mabior Chol. However, Mark McKenzie indicated that coach Sam Mitchell and his staff possess a proven ability to deploy players in multiple roles, ensuring versatility across the squad.

Merrett remains open-minded about his new environment following the high-profile transition, maintaining contact with former teammates through messaging channels while adjusting to his departure from the Bombers, as outlined by ABC News and The Age. The lingering question remains whether Hawthorn’s restructured list can immediately convert these high-profile acquisitions into sustained finals success as the 2027 season approaches.