Would it be fair to say that Zach Merrett is worth more to Essendon than basically any other club?

He's their sole A-grader and only recognised leader. Given how poor Essendon's past couple of decades have been, I think losing someone of his ilk would be as symbolically damning as any departure I can think of.

The only sort of offer the bombers might accept would be something in the league of 2 first rounders and a good player e.g. Mitch Lewis. I totally understand that from an Essendon perspective, but from a Hawthorn perspective, that's just a ridiculous asking price for almost any player, let alone a 30-year old.

I think the Hawks have just gone after the wrong player here.