By Sam McClure
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell hasn’t ruled out making another audacious play for Essendon captain Zach Merrett in 12 months’ time, after admitting his frustration in the Bombers’ refusal to play ball in last month’s trade period.
Speaking exclusively to this masthead, in his first public comments since the Hawks’ attempt to snare Merrett collapsed, Mitchell admitted he was annoyed that the trade didn’t go through, stating Hawthorn’s offer was fair.
Sam Mitchell has broken his silence on Hawthorn’s failed trade bid for Zach Merrett.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Hawks ended up offering picks 10, 22, a future first rounder and fringe midfielder Henry Hustwaite in exchange for Merrett, but Essendon refused to budge.
“We clearly had an interest in Zach playing for Hawthorn. We made a very good offer but it didn’t happen. We are never going to back away from trying to get better,” Mitchell told this masthead after night two of Thursday’s national draft.
“Is it annoying? Yes, but we have to move on quickly. I am not losing sleep over it, I’m confident about the team we have this year and improvements we can make.”
Asked if the Hawks would make another attempt at luring Merrett at the end of the end of the 2026 season, Mitchell replied: “I’ve got no idea.”
Merrett wasted no time getting into the swing of things with his teammates.Credit: Essendon FC
Hawthorn traded up in the draft to take Xavier College captain Jack Dalton with pick 34, a quick midfielder who, ironically, was likened to Merrett in the way he played by veteran talent guru Kevin Sheehan on the Fox Footy coverage.
Carlton were one of the big winners from the second night of the draft, securing smooth moving academy midfielder Jack Ison whilst also stocking future picks as they prepare to welcome potential No.1 pick Cody Walker next year.
The Blues picked up a future second-round pick from Gold Coast for pick 28, meaning they head into 2027 with two first- and second-round picks.
Ison, who many recruiters thought could go inside the top 30, slid to pick 47 when North Melbourne finally bid on him.
Ison joined small forward Talor Byrne at Carlton, along with prodigious talent Harry Dean, son of legendary Carlton figure Peter Dean.
“I spent a fair bit of time with him [Harry Dean] last night after the draft ... he and his family ... it was a great experience, to be honest,” Blues football boss Chris Davies said.
“He’s such a humble lad but clearly such a competitive person, as well. He wants to get better, and he wants to get better quick and, from what I’ve seen, Peter isn’t going to let him rest on his laurels.”
Davies said the club was excited to welcome Walker in 12 months’ time.
Harry Dean celebrates with his family at the draft. Credit: Louis Trerise
“He will be a significant player. He’s obviously got another year to develop but from what we’ve seen he’s a great talent and, from that standpoint, it’s great to have him tied to the club. We need to work with him next year and make sure he’s the best version of himself that he can be for when 2027 comes around.
“But we think he’s a real talent, and that’s why we are so pleased to end this trade and draft period with a fair bit of collateral for next year as well.”
The academy bidding system was a hot topic among recruiters and list bosses in the corridors of Marvel Stadium after the last pick was called out. Of the 34 picks on the second night, eight players were tied to academies, with five unmatched.
At one stage, Richmond bid on two consecutive players from opposition academies. St Kilda matched a bid for Kye Fincher before Essendon was forced to match a bid for Hussien El Achkar.
Two of the last three picks were made re-drafting players: St Kilda’s Ryan Byrnes and GWS’ Jake Stringer.
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