Merrett latest as awkward Brownlow scenario looms; Swan to request Pies trade — Whispers

The latest on Zach Merrett ahead of what’s set to be first public appearance at the Brownlow Medal.

Plus a Swan is set to request a trade to Collingwood.

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MERRETT LATEST AHEAD OF BROWNLOW ‘AWKWARDNESS’

Bombers skipper Zach Merrett is expected to attend next week’s Brownlow Medal despite ongoing tension with the club as he seeks a trade.

The saga has turned ugly, with Essendon teammates expressing disappointment with Merrett’s meeting with Hawthorn.

There’s uncertainty on if the star midfielder will turn up to the Bombers’ best and fairest next month, when he’s likely to win a sixth Crichton Medal, plus a “shattered” Merrett defended himself against claims of disrespect towards Essendon AFLW players.

Despite the drama that’s unfolded across the past week, Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph revealed Merrett is currently slated to attend the Brownlow Medal next Monday night and sit on a table with Essendon teammates.

“The AFL has confirmed Zach Merrett will be at the Brownlow Medal. He’s been invited and the only way he can dodge that is to ask for a special dispensation, an exemption for special circumstances,” Ralph said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle on Wednesday night.

“He has not done that, the expectation is he will turn up and he will be there as the Essendon captain on a table with some of his Essendon teammates.”

Ralph suggested Merrett needs a “strategy” ahead of the event and should speak publicly beforehand for the first time since trade reports first emerged.

“Make sure you’ve spoken first, make sure you hold your head high. Don’t get dragged down by all the leaks and all the drama, even though you’ve probably been guilty of some of that and your camp,” he added.

“The awkwardness of him sitting there with his teammates, it’s going to be exquisite there.

“I would hope he speaks before that. And he’s probably going to have to walk the red carpet, and not be asked once, but asked 20 times: ‘What are you doing now Zach?’”

SWAN TO REQUEST TRADE TO PIES

Sydney forward Jack Buller is set to request a trade to Collingwood, reports AFL Media’s Callum Twomey.

The Magpies, who have a connection to Buller with footy boss/ex-Swans head of football Charlie Gardiner, have reportedly tabled a two-year deal to the 24-year old.

Buller is out of contract but still can only move clubs via trade.

“He’s going to request a trade is my expectation to Collingwood from Sydney,” Twomey said on Gettable.

“He has a two-year offer on the table there (from Collingwood) and he’s met with them in recent days.

“Charlie Gardiner is the link there, having been at the Swans now at the Pies.”

Buller has booted 11 goals from 10 games for Sydney — including nine appearances under Dean Cox this year — since joining the club in the 2023 mid-season draft.

Twomey questioned if it meant Brody Mihocek, whose future at Collingwood is uncertain amid interest form Melbourne, was facing the exit door.

“I think it also points to Brody Mihocek. Is he (Mihocek) out the door, and is (Buller) the replacement?,” he posed.

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