Brisbane wants to complete a second high-profile raid on Essendon in as many years, with the Lions lodging their interest in Zach Merrett.
Brisbane, admittedly like a stack of teams in the competition, have put their hand up for the Bombers’ blue-chip midfielder, who is a restricted free agent this year.
Former Essendon spearhead Joe Daniher, one of Merrett’s closest mates, left for Brisbane last year where he has returned to form and fitness.
But while the queue for Merrett has grown to now make up about half the league, the two-time Crichton medallist and All-Australian has put his contract on the back burner.
Merrett, 25, is enjoying his football again, buoyed by Essendon’s lively opening to the season in Ben Rutten’s first year as senior coach.
Reinstated in the side’s leadership group, he has enjoyed working with the Dons’ batch of exciting next-generation talent.
Merrett’s own form is also scintillating, ranking fourth in the competition for total disposals, averaging 31.5 per game.
Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne and Port Adelaide have also been linked to Merrett in recent months, but his decision will not be money-driven given Essendon has significant salary cap space following the departures of Adam Saad, Orazio Fantasia and Daniher last year.
It is for that reason, combined with renewed optimism at Tullamarine, that has Essendon increasingly optimistic Merrett will re-commit to the club in what is the most significant contract of his career.
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