HAWTHORN defender Tom Barrass insists prospective recruit Zach Merrett is "well within his rights" to agitate for a trade despite his status as a contracted Essendon player.

The Bombers have been adamant they won't trade their captain and six-time best-and-fairest winner Merrett, who has two years left on his existing deal.

But that hasn't stopped the Hawks, led by coach Sam Mitchell, making a strong play for the 30-year-old midfield ball-magnet ahead of Wednesday's trade deadline.

Merrett is one of an increasing number of high-profile players trying to switch clubs while in contract, with the move becoming more commonplace in recent times.

It has frustrated clubs who believe players have too much power in the market.

Former West Coast defender Barrass was under contract when he requested a move to Hawthorn last year, and on Saturday backed Merrett's right to do what is best for him.

"The landscape's changed a little bit the last few years," Barrass said.

"Free agency and a bunch of rules around trades has sort of incentivised player movement.

"I think we'll see more and more of it like we do in some of the American sports.

"I think it's great. It's just a part of the game now and it needs to be embraced."

Barrass says Merrett is a "quality player" he would "love to see" in Hawthorn's midfield next season.

"It's certainly a big move and it takes a lot of thought, for sure," Barrass said.

"I'd imagine Zach spent 12 years waking up at 6am every day contributing to the (Essendon) footy club and he's well within his rights to try and explore his options as a professional.

"Like Sam (Mitchell) has been saying, hopefully that's at the Hawks. But who knows where it's going to be?

"I can't read the trade period; it all seems very uncertain. I wish him all the best and I think it's very much up to him."

Fellow Hawks star Nick Watson would also welcome Merrett into the fold as Mitchell's men attempt to go further in 2026 than last season's preliminary-final appearance.

"It would be nice having him but we'll leave that up to the management group and hopefully they get it done," Watson said.

"If not, we've still got a pretty good side that I reckon can get it done next year."

Meanwhile, St Kilda forward Jack Higgins is in a buoyant mood on the back of his club's aggressive recruiting drive.

The Saints have already landed Sam Flanders (Gold Coast), Liam Ryan (West Coast), Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni (both Carlton) in the off-season and might not yet be done doing business.

"We're bringing some really good players into our club and I know they're going to perform," Higgins said.

"Hopefully it's going to be tough getting a spot and hopefully we can push for finals."

Higgins is particularly excited about playing alongside the man dubbed 'Flyin Ryan' because of his aerial exploits during eight seasons with West Coast.

"Hopefully he doesn't jump on my head and break my neck," Higgins said.

Barrass, Watson and Higgins were at Caulfield racecourse on Saturday for a Sportsbet promotion.