Zach Merrett reveals 'smooth' final year with Essendon before Hawthorn move

Key points

• Zach Merrett has moved to Hawthorn after a previous attempt to leave Essendon fell through. The midfielder says his final season with the Bombers was a smooth process.
• He said he held open talks with coach Brad Scott early in the year, then kept in regular contact with list boss Matty Rosa. Merrett said the club wanted to keep developing young players and bringing in high-end talent through the draft.
• He now joins Hawthorn with a clean slate for the 2027 season.