Zach Merrett Joins Collingwood in Blockbuster $1.7 Million Deal from Essendon
Melbourne, Australia – In a massive AFL trade coup, Collingwood Football Club has officially signed Zach Merrett from Essendon Football Club in a deal worth $1.7 million. The high-profile transfer sees one of the league’s most dynamic midfielders join the reigning premiers in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest moves of the offseason.
Collingwood’s Ambitious Move
Collingwood’s successful acquisition of Merrett underscores the club’s ambition to continue their dominance in the AFL. Fresh off a premiership win, the Pies have shown they are not content with standing still, and the signing of Merrett is proof of their commitment to building a formidable dynasty.
Merrett, who has been a stalwart for Essendon for over a decade, is seen as a significant addition to Collingwood’s already star-studded lineup. Known for his elite ball-winning ability, precise kicking, and leadership on the field, Merrett’s move is expected to bolster Collingwood’s midfield and increase their chances of back-to-back premierships.
The deal, worth $1.7 million over the next three years, represents one of the most lucrative contracts in the AFL this offseason. Collingwood was able to outbid several rival clubs, with Merrett’s desire to join a premiership contender playing a key role in the negotiations.
Essendon’s Reaction
The loss of Merrett is a significant blow to Essendon Football Club. Merrett has been one of the Bombers’ standout players since his debut in 2014, winning two Crichton Medals as the club’s best and fairest player and serving as captain since 2022. Known for his hard work and consistency, Merrett has been a key figure in Essendon’s midfield and a fan favorite.
In a statement, Essendon’s head coach Brad Scott acknowledged the difficulty of losing a player of Merrett’s caliber but expressed confidence in the club’s ability to rebuild.
“We’re obviously disappointed to lose Zach. He’s been an incredible servant to the Essendon Football Club for many years, and we wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career,” Scott said. “That being said, this opens up opportunities for other players to step up, and we will be active in the trade market to ensure we bring in the right talent to replace him.”
Essendon is expected to use the funds from the trade to pursue new recruits and bolster their list ahead of the 2025 season. The Bombers are in the midst of a rebuilding phase and will look to retool their squad as they aim to return to finals contention.
Merrett’s Thoughts on the Move
Merrett expressed excitement about joining Collingwood and the opportunity to play for a premiership contender. In his first interview as a Magpie, the 28-year-old midfielder spoke about the thrill of joining a club with such a strong culture of success.
“I’m incredibly grateful for everything Essendon has done for me over the years, but the chance to join Collingwood and be part of a team that’s pushing for premierships was something I couldn’t pass up,” Merrett said. “Collingwood has an incredible group of players, and I can’t wait to get started and help contribute to the club’s future success.”
Merrett also noted that the chance to play under Collingwood head coach Craig McRae was a significant factor in his decision. “Craig’s vision for the team and the way they play really aligns with how I want to approach the game. I’m excited to learn from him and hopefully add something to what’s already a fantastic squad.”
Collingwood’s Championship Aspirations
The addition of Merrett is seen as a masterstroke by Collingwood, as they look to maintain their edge in an increasingly competitive AFL landscape. With their premiership-winning core still intact, and now bolstered by one of the game’s best midfielders, the Magpies are shaping up to be the team to beat in 2025.
Collingwood’s head coach Craig McRae was full of praise for the new recruit, emphasizing Merrett’s work ethic and leadership. “Zach is an exceptional talent, but more than that, he’s a leader and a competitor. He will fit right into the culture we’ve built here at Collingwood,” McRae said. “We’re thrilled to have him on board, and I’m confident he will make an immediate impact.”
With Merrett now on their list, Collingwood’s midfield depth is unparalleled, and fans will be eager to see how the new-look Magpies perform in their quest to secure back-to-back premierships.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Merrett adapts to life at Collingwood and how Essendon responds to the departure of their captain. For Collingwood, the signing of Merrett sends a clear message to the rest of the league: they are not satisfied with just one flag, and they are fully committed to adding more silverware to their trophy cabinet.
For Merrett, the opportunity to play for one of the AFL’s most successful clubs represents a new chapter in his already illustrious career. His arrival at Collingwood has the potential to be a game-changing move as the Magpies aim to cement their place at the top of the AFL for years to come.
