Zach Merrett staying 'open-minded' after high-profile AFL move to Hawks

Boom AFL recruit Zach Merrett is open-minded over what role he will play at Hawthorn under coach Sam Mitchell.

More than a year after the bombshell revelation that the Hawks were trying to lure Merrett from Essendon, a deal was finally struck for the former Bombers captain when the trade period opened on Monday.

Essendon will receive the number 15 and 25 picks in this year's national draft, as well as Hawthorn's 2028 second-round selection.

The bitter rivals were unable to reach a deal for Merrett in trade talks a year ago.

Merrett would obviously boost Hawthorn's midfield, but he noted on Tuesday in a club interview that he could also play in defence or across half-forward.

"It is funny that Gia and I are back together," he said of former Essendon assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa, who is now at the Hawks.

"We worked for three years on trying to be the most flexible player in the competition, being able to play a number of different roles.

"I have no preconceived ideas with Sam. We're going to be pretty open-minded, to what that could look like.

"There are already so many incredible players out there for the Hawks, so wherever I fit in, I will make sure I make that work — whether that's back, forward, mid, or wing, or whatever it looks like."

Merrett has toured Hawthorn's Dingley headquarters and met with captain Jai Newcombe.

"It's been a bit overwhelming, the last 24 hours," Merrett said.

"To see the whole facility and to get so many incredible messages, I feel extremely welcomed, and so is my family."

Last Thursday Merrett became the third player to win Essendon's best and fairest award seven times, alongside Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchison.

"It was a really hard decision, it was probably something I weighed up for six to nine months," Merrett said of the move.

"It felt like Hawthorn was going to be the best place for me and my family, moving forward, to keep achieving, to achieve out of footy.

"I also have so much respect and love for Essendon as well, so it is a unique feeling, a little bit.

"But I'm keen to move forward, get stuck into work."

Hawthorn, whose season ended with an epic preliminary final loss to premiers Brisbane, are also expected to recruit key forward Ben King from Gold Coast.