Should the Hawks have another crack at signing Merrett?

Essendon and Hawthorn may not have the closest of relationships, but as stated by Tim Watson, their bitter rivalry shouldn’t hinder the Bombers from future recruitment.

The two clubs came in frequent contact over this off-season, with offers flying around in both directions across the entire trade and free agency period.

For the Hawks, a deal for superstar Zach Merrett was the club’s focal point, failing to meet Essendon’s lofty requirements and ultimately striking out at the deadline.

As for the Bombers, a lucrative seven-year, $10 million offer for young Hawk Josh Weddle was tabled with the hopes of swaying the future star to switch colours following his contract expiration at the end of 2026.

However, as described by Weddle himself, the deal never influenced his decision to stay put.

With dealings between the two sides clearly growing in difficulty, Tim Watson still believes that the Bombers should continue their attempts to poach their rivals’ talent.

“I don’t think Hawthorn will go again at Zach,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

“There are already stories around… speculation that he will re-sign and extend his contract at Essendon. He’ll be locked away for a lifetime.

“I still think there will be some angst between the two clubs, and if Essendon believe that there is somebody at Hawthorn that is identifiably a great addition, then they’ll have a crack at them.”

So, should the Bombers continue to go after Hawthorn players?

“100 per cent! My encouragement would be to any club – it’s the same as what Sam Mitchell (said) – if you think that there is somebody out there that can be recruited and they are going to be a valuable addition to your team, go out there!

“That’s your job. You’re trying to improve your team all the time. It’s pretty much open slather.

“It’s going on all the time. It’s open slather, everybody is out there trying to recruit and improve their list.

“That’s what you’re supposed to do!”

The last deal between the two sides came in 2023, when Essendon shipped winger Massimo D'Ambrosio to Hawthorn in exchange for Pick 61 and a future fourth.