Zach Merrett spotted training with rivals after failed trade to Hawthorn

Essendon captain Zach Merrett has been spotted making an eyebrow raising appearance at a rival club’s headquarters.

Zach Merrett was spotted training with a rival team after his trade fell through. Image: North Melbourne/Getty

Essendon captain Zach Merrett has been spotted training with Gold Coast Suns recruit Christian Petracca at North Melbourne’s training base after his failed trade request.

A video posted to North Melbourne’s social media account on Monday showed Merrett and Petracca shaking hands with Kangaroos stars Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw during an off-season session at Arden Street.

The Kangaroos were doing their own training at the facility, separate from Merrett and Petracca, who were doing some light work together.

It comes after Merrett’s request to join Hawthorn was denied last week, with the Bombers rejecting the Hawks’ offer for the 30-year-old.

In a frantic finish to the 7.30pm AEDT deadline last Wednesday, Merrett’s animated manager, Tom Petroro, vented his frustration after the Hawks’ offer of four first-round picks and young midfielder Henry Hustwaite for the six-time club best and fairest was turned down.

Petroro was seen walking between meeting rooms at Marvel Stadium and remonstrating with Hawthorn and Essendon officials in what Damian Barrett described on AFL Trade Radio as a “borderline fit of rage”.

Zach Merrett was spotted training with a rival team after his trade fell through. Image: North Melbourne/Getty

It means Merrett will have to play for Essendon in 2026, and the first day of pre-season will almost certainly be awkward after he tried his best to force a move away.

Fox Footy’s Trading Day show discussed the Merrett situation following the trade deadline.

“He’s entitled to be furious, Zach Merrett,” David King said.

“No doubt Hawthorn would have said, ‘we’ll get this deal done, we’ve got enough picks, we’ve got enough talent on our list that we’ll be able to satisfy the Bombers, ’ and they haven’t done that.

“I think it puts a real dent in their premiership aspirations for next year … Merrett into that line-up (would’ve) changed the whole mix and dynamic of what they do ball in hand.

“I think it’s a real blow for the Hawks tonight – I really do.

“When you look at every team in that top bracket of six to eight, they’re looking for that one player, that one extra asset that tips them over the edge into premiership contention — and I think the Hawks have left one on the table tonight.”