The man that would have made Merrett a Hawk

Essendon superstar Zach Merrett parting ways with Tom Petroro following an unsuccessful trade request was a "blow up waiting to happen", according to Kane Cornes.

The former Bomber captain and six-time best and fairest winner requested a trade away from the club following yet another disappointing season with Essendon in 2025, prioritising Hawthorn as his ideal destination.

Despite numerous offers from the Bombers, a trade was not completed between the two sides, with Merrett returning to Essendon despite his evident desire to leave the club.

On deadline day, Petroro was seen frantically pacing between Hawthorn and Essendon rooms in attempt to barter a deal between the two sides.

Merrett terminated his agreement with Petroro on Tuesday, with reports suggesting an expected return to his former manager Nick Gieschen of CDG Sports Management.

"The minute this trade deal blew up, you knew the relationship was going to blow up," Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.

"It's the right course of action. If your manager can't get the job done you move on to someone you think can.

"If he was a Paul Connors client I would say Merrett would be at Hawthorn by now. Petroro is a big stable but not as powerful.

"Does Zach have to pay Tom the commission he is entitled to?"

In terms of what the future holds for Merrett, Cornes has no doubt he will be looking for a Bombers exit again in 2026.

"Yes I do (think he will request a trade). A lot can change with what Hawthorn need, but you would think they are the front runner.

"The price will not be the same, it will not be as significant. That was the best deal the club could ever get for him. They will never get something as big."