Zach Merrett has joined Hawthorn this offseason, a year after an earlier attempt to move failed. Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan believes Merrett should play a mix of wing, back and midfield. He suggested half-back as a spot where Merrett's use of the ball and speed would help. Many see midfield as Merrett's best role, alongside Jai Newcombe and Will Day. Coach Sam Mitchell faces a balancing act as he works out where to play the star midfielder during preseason.
Essendon has decided not to renew AFLW coach Natalie Wood's contract after a one-win season. The club told her of the decision after Sunday's 3.7 (25) to 3.2 (20) loss to Hawthorn. Wood will coach the remaining round against Collingwood at Windy Hill. Essendon chief executive Tim Roberts thanked Wood for setting the club's standards and culture since 2022. The club will now search for a new AFLW coach.
A Melbourne mother and her five-year-old son asked residents of the Huntingtower mansion in Hawthorn to fly the Greek flag to mark OHI Day on 28 October. The idea came from Konstantinos, who asked when the flag would be flown at the house. His mother wrote to the residents, enclosing a flag and a short history of the day. A few days later the Greek flag was flying from the tower. The family say they were delighted and thanked the residents, whom they had never met.
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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.
Hawthorn have been named among the premiership contenders after a strong offseason. The club added midfielder Zach Merrett and Gold Coast Suns key forward Ben King, and lost no player of substance. Commentator Jono Baruch says the Hawks should be favourites for 2027 and that anything short of a Grand Final appearance would be a disappointment. Coach Sam Mitchell has yet to lead the club to a Grand Final, so the coming season is seen as a defining one for the team.
Hawthorn defender Jarman Impey has listed his Brighton East townhouse for sale, with an asking price of $1.95 million to $2.1 million. The home on Burwah Avenue is a short walk from Dendy Park. Impey said the space has always been suited to hosting family, and he described selling as almost a bit sad. Listing agent Matthew Pillios of Kay & Burton said the property would suit young families, downsizers or a corporate couple. The townhouse has four bedrooms, a Miele kitchen and a rear deck.
Local MP John Pesutto has criticised the Victorian government's planning process after two historic Hawthorn properties were approved for demolition without a permit for their replacement. The Riversdale Residents Group fears the site may remain vacant for years, and the proposed seven-storey apartment complex exceeds local height regulations. The planning minister has 13 days to consider the complex proposal before the state election caretaker period begins.
The Brisbane Lions face a critical match against Hawthorn with their season on the line. A loss would eliminate them from finals contention, marking a significant decline for a team that has missed finals just once in AFLW history. The Lions have struggled with injuries, losing key players like Taylor Smith and Courtney Hodder, and have faced challenges in adapting their game style. Their defensive weaknesses and inefficient attacking play have contributed to their current position, but they remain hopeful for a comeback.
