Advertisement In striking contrast to last year’s protracted, ugly and ultimately failed move, this year Zach Merrett became a Hawthorn player on the opening day of trade period. Merrett will move to Hawthorn in exchange for picks 15 and 25 in this year’s draft and a future second-round draft pick.
Well, folks, it’s official—Zach Merrett has spread his wings and joined the Hawthorn Hawks. Yes, that’s right! The Essendon Bombers’ former star midfielder is now flying high in brown and gold after a trade that saw the Bombers pocket picks 15 and 25 in this year’s draft, plus a future second-round pick. You know, just a casual day in the office for AFL teams.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this trade. Merrett, who recently clinched his seventh Crichton Medal as Essendon’s best and fairest player—because apparently, being good at your job is a thing—has signed a four-year deal worth a cool $1 million per year. That’s right, a million bucks! I mean, if I could get paid that much for just showing up to work and being moderately competent, I’d consider it a win.
For Hawthorn, this is a big win. Merrett brings experience, skill, and a knack for finding the ball—qualities that every team craves. At 31 years old, he’s not exactly a spring chicken, but he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank. Plus, he knows how to navigate the ups and downs of AFL life. So, what’s the plan for the Hawks now that they’ve added Merrett to their roster?
Rumor has it that they’re now eyeing Max King, the young gun from St Kilda. You know, because why not add another star to the mix? King is a tall forward with an impressive mark and a knack for kicking goals. In short, he’s everything you could want in a forward—except, of course, for the fact that he plays for another team. But hey, that’s what trade periods are for, right?
Hawthorn is likely to get creative in their pursuit of King. They’ve got some draft picks to work with, and let’s be honest, teams can be quite crafty during this time. It’s like a game of chess, but with more yelling and less strategy. The Hawks may have to throw in some enticing offers to coax King away from St Kilda, perhaps even sweetening the deal with some future picks or players.
As we sit back and watch the drama unfold, one can’t help but wonder how this all plays out. Will King don the brown and gold next season? Will Merrett become the ultimate mentor for the younger players? Will I ever get tired of making puns about birds and flying? The answers to these questions are still up in the air, much like a well-placed kick from Merrett.
In conclusion, the AFL trade period is always filled with excitement, drama, and sometimes a bit of chaos. With Merrett now a Hawk, the team has certainly made a statement. And if they manage to snag King next, it could be the start of something beautiful—or at the very least, something entertaining. So, stay tuned, folks! The AFL rollercoaster is just getting started, and we’re all along for the ride.
Inspired by: “Merrett has become a Hawk. This is how they are likely to land King next” (r/Local)