Dons ‘really worried’ over skipper as rival heats up chase; Blue’s new suitor — Trade Whispers

Essendon is reportedly “really worried” regarding the future of their most loyal servant, as interest from a premiership contender looms large.

And elsewhere, an out-of-contract Blue is genuinely assessing a rival club interstate that has personal sentiment.

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‘REALLY WORRIED’: NOISE ON FUTURE OF DONS STAR GROWS EVEN LOUDER

It’s been nearly two weeks since Essendon’s 2025 season came to a dismal end, but that hasn’t stopped noise around the playing future of club captain Zach Merrett from growing as loud as it’s ever been.

The 29-year-old star’s displeasure with the club’s continued mediocrity is seemingly heading towards boiling point, no doubt amplified by a 13-game losing streak to end their year.

One club in the premiership window reportedly going hard after their services are Hawthorn, as they look to make use of a building war chest ahead of the 2026 season.

Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reported on Monday night that the Bombers’ concerns continue to rise with their skipper, as he grapples with staying loyal to his club of 12 years, or chasing premiership success.

“I think Essendon are really worried about this. They continue to say there is absolutely no way that they’re going to trade their captain, and they will not entertain a trade for their captain,” Wilson told Seven on Monday night.

“There is no doubt in my mind, that the Hawthorn Football Club are looking very keenly at Zach Merrett — and have been for five or six weeks.”

The reports come less than 48 hours after SEN’s Sam Edmund revealed the five-time Essendon best and fairest winner was “restless”, having played 251 games at AFL level without winning a final.

POWER REGISTER INTEREST IN UNDECIDED BLUE

Port Adelaide has reportedly registered their interest in Carlton small forward Jesse Motlop, as the livewire continues to weigh up his future beyond 2025.

Seven’s Xander McGuire revealed on Monday night that while the 21-year-old’s preference is still to stay at Ikon Park, the stalling of contract negotiations in recent times has left the door ajar for the Power to enter the race for his services.

The unique link for Motlop at Alberton comes through his father Daniel, who played 83 games across half a dozen seasons at Port Adelaide after five years at North Melbourne.

McQuire reports that other clubs beyond Port Adelaide are interested in Motlop, who played every single game for Carlton this year.

Both his scoreboard and physical pressure wavered through 2025, before finishing the home-and-away campaign with 17.18.

Carlton has so far delisted a trio of players, on top of the impending free agency exits of Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni. Club great Sam Docherty also announced his retirement before season’s end.

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