ZACH Merrett is finally a Hawthorn player after Essendon sensationally agreed to a deal on Monday.
A year after Merrett's push to join the Hawks spectacularly fell through, the two clubs wasted little time in agreeing to terms on a deal on the first official day of the 2026 trade period.
The deal will see the Hawks part with picks 15, 25 and a 2028 second-round pick.
Talks moved quickly on Monday, just hours after Bombers president Andrew Welsh had warned the Hawks to not get "too cute" in negotiations.
The Hawks had tabled a four-year deal worth $4 million for the seven-time best and fairest winner, which would take him through to the end of 2030.
AFL.com.au reported on Monday the deal has a trigger for a fifth season, which would take Merrett through to the age of 36.
"It's always hard to see a player of Zach's standing leave, but it doesn't take away from what he achieved here, or the pride he gave our members and supporters over 13 seasons," Essendon chief executive Tim Roberts said.
"Zach set the bar for what it takes to be an elite footballer. His preparation, his consistency and his refusal to accept anything less than his best became the standard others were measured against, and the work he did guiding our younger players in recent years will benefit this club for a long time."
Since 2016, the season in which he won his first Crichton Medal as the Bombers' best and fairest at the age of 20, he has finished in the top three of the best and fairest every year bar one.
Merrett won a record-equalling seventh Crichton Medal last week after another fine season in 2026.
Only Bill Hutchison has polled more Brownlow votes for Essendon than Merrett, who has 169 votes at an average of 0.62 per game.
"When people look back on this era of Essendon, Zach's name will be one of the first they mention," Roberts said.
"We thank Zach for everything he has given Essendon. We wish him, his partner Alexandra and son Jude all the best, and they'll always be welcome at our club."
The three-time All-Australian and former Bombers captain played 23 games this year.
"A seven-time best and fairest winner and three-time All-Australian, Zach has long been celebrated as one of the most elite midfielders in the AFL and he will play a key role in our side for many years to come," Hawthorn list and recruiting manager Mark McKenzie said.
"In addition to his relentless desire to succeed, Zach's professionalism and competitiveness are second to none - he's the sort of player that drives high standards and helps make others around him better.
"We are very excited about what Zach brings to our club, I’m sure he’s incredibly motivated to get to work with his new teammates and help propel Hawthorn towards its next premiership."
