ESSENDON captain Zach Merrett's intent to explore a trade has taken another step with the star midfielder meeting with Hawthorn.
Merrett, a five-time best and fairest at Essendon, has been weighing moving clubs since the end of the Bombers' season.
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He is understood to have met with Hawks officials this week.
The 29-year-old has two years to run on his contract and the Bombers have been adamant they wouldn't be open to letting him move clubs.
But whether the meeting with a fierce rival changes that approach will be seen in coming weeks with the Hawks courting the 251-gamer as they look to add to their midfield brigade.
The idea of Merrett alongside Hawks best-and-fairest winners Jai Newcombe and Will Day has been central to Hawthorn's aggressive pursuit.
Hawthorn chased Harley Reid and offered the Eagle a mouth-watering 11-year deal before he re-signed with West Coast and has also pursued Port Adelaide matchwinner Zak Butters.
