Trade Bell: Dons asking question of young Hawk in Merrett exchange

The Trade Bell has sounded with all the latest trade news.

SEN’s Sam Edmund is reporting that the Bombers are asking the question of one of the Hawks' best young talents in exchange for Zach Merrett.

Read the trade latest below:

Scott Pendlebury

“Gold Coast and many others were stunned that Scott Pendlebury would draw compensation.

“That’s going to affect Ben King, clearly. He’ll end up being traded for Pick 75, which is farcical for an icon of the game and the game’s record holder.

“But that’s what the rule demands, so that’s what Gold Coast are going to have to do. They’re not thrilled with it, I don’t think Collingwood are overly thrilled with it either.

“They could delist him, Collingwood, but they are not going to do that. Optically, that would be even worse.

“He is going to go there, traded for a very late pick, Scott Pendlebury. He signed a playing contract for two years – he is going to be 40 before he sees this contract out.

“It’s on about AFL average wage, so somewhere between 500-600 a season. Two years of playing and the coaching element comes thereafter.”

Noah Mraz

“We were speaking about contracts yesterday for him. If he – as all parties expect – gets his way to Hawthorn, it will be a four-year contract at around $1 million a season.

“So, a $4 million commitment. I just wonder what that looks like. I few players have been brought up in this space, if you go back to Henry Hustwaite last year.

“Noah Mraz, 2028 he signed until, the developing back at Hawthorn, 198cm. I think Essendon have asked the question here.

“I know he’s been linked to the Suns given the Ben King move south, and I’m pretty sure he said he has no interest in a move, he wants to stay and play for his spot at Hawthorn, and I don’t expect that to have changed.

“But I think we will find that Essendon have asked the question in and around that Zach Merrett move and how that looks.”

Joel Amartey

“I can’t imagine a scenario where he tells Sydney he is joining Carlton while the Swans’ season is well and truly alive.

“In the meantime, he has been wanting a better deal from the Swans – that better deal just hasn’t been coming.

“I think the jungle drums on Amartey to Carlton just continue to beat stronger as we go.

“That’s not anything new, but it’s looking more and more likely.”

Edmund also gave an update on a trio of ‘Hail Mary’ trade rumours as predicted at the conclusion of the home and away season.

Dan Houston: “Still in the wind.”

Kai Lohmann: “Brisbane turning their attention to him now, quickly. They want to get that one done; he is out (of contract) next year.”

Nick Murray: “Interesting, this one. North Melbourne, red hot interest. Pretty big offer from Arden Street.

“He is contracted, 11 games this year. A few whispers that maybe Adelaide are digging in on him with Jordon Butts on the out.”