‘Not considering… yet’: Merrett’s big admission on Bombers future after claims he could re-sign

Former Bombers skipper Zach Merrett says he’s now “open” to a new deal at the club – but stressed it’s only been “very preliminary” chats after last year’s failed trade bid to join Hawthorn.

Merrett was the headline story of the 2025 AFL Trade Period, with the Bombers taking a tough stance on not letting him go as teammates including Mason Redman and Nick Martin spoke out against his actions.

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The Hawks had offered up Picks 10, 22, their 2026 first-round pick and young midfielder Henry Hustwaite, while the Bombers wanted the Hawks’ 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick instead of Hustwaite.

The deal fell through in the dying stages in dramatic scenes, with Merrett instead returning to Essendon training in November.

Now, just four months later and after stepping down as captain, Merrett said a commitment to the club could be possible.

It comes only days after a shock report suggested Merrett had begun preliminary contract extension talks.

“I wouldn’t say considering, yet. I mean, there’s some openness to listen, as there always is when you’re on your back nine of your career, so to speak,” he said.

“You’re always open with what that could look like.

“But nothing has progressed outside of a very preliminary chat. So excluding that, I think the things that have shifted … the fitness department’s really beefed up, and the club’s invested heavily resourcing that to make sure that players get the best opportunity to be fit and healthy and on the park for longer periods of time, so that we can hopefully have more talent come the weekend to string together some more wins.

“I mean, I’m still contracted for two years, so I still very much feel like they’re in charge of my career moving forward.”

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Speaking about the failed trade ordeal on Thursday, Merrett said he felt “pretty comfortable” walking back into the club to face teammates.

“I knew that was a really live possibility and probably a high percentage chance I was going to be going back,” he shared.

“So that was always very front of mind that moment and walking back into my locker and putting my boots on and getting back to work.

“I don’t think (relationships were) strained. I think they, in a weird way, were really keen to keep me and wanted to play with me.

“So I wouldn’t say there were strained relationships. I think no doubt it was a bit of awkwardness just to start with, given that we went through those three months. But to Mason (Redman) and Nick … we had dinner before we went back to make sure that we’re on the same page, and I could be clear with what I went through and what they went through, and from day dot, we were back on the same page and cracking in the pre-season.

“I think it’s an ever-evolving space, the trade period and the way the game is going, it’s going to evolve more and more moving forward. So hopefully when that does happen for other players, moving forward, we aren’t as critical of that player.”

To add to Merrett’s ordeal, he’s now been selected to represent Victoria in Saturday’s AFL Origin game where he’ll play under assistant Sam Mitchell – the Hawks coach who tried to lure him across last season.

But Merrett played down any awkwardness between the duo, describing Mitchell as “another coach”.

For now, the ex-skipper remains determined to put his best foot forward every time he steps onto the field.

“I need to get back and play with a good footy and make sure that I continue to show up and be a good player for the footy club,” he shared.

“And I’m sure those things (contract wise) will take care of themselves in due course.”