The Move that Never Happened Highlights a Trade Deadline Day for the Ages

Bombers 'surprised' by Hawks' failed trade tactics for Merrett

Essendon chief executive Craig Vozzo says the club was surprised Hawthorn waited until late in the AFL trade period to make an offer for their captain, Zach Merrett.

Bombshell reasons for star’s trade revealed

Charlie Curnow’s manager has dropped some stunning details on the superstar full forward’s last-minute move to the Sydney Swans.

The move that never happened highlights a trade deadline day for the ages

This article covers the major talking points and repercussions from AFL trade period which ended on Wednesday night covering Essendon star Zach Merrett missing out on his trade to Hawthorn, Charlie Curnow’s trade to Sydney and how those players not traded will handle their disappointment heading into the 2026 AFL season.

AFL trade period as it happened: Merrett deal falls through in stunning bombshell

In a dramatic final day, Charlie Curnow and Christian Petracca both found new homes, but Zach Merrett's expected move to Hawthorn stunningly fell through at the eleventh hour.

Both clubs talk on failed Merrett trade

Essendon and Hawthorn have both spoken after Bombers skipper Zach Merrett's publicised desire to get to the Hawks fell through on the last day of the AFL Trade Period.

Merrett, Marshall and more: The blockbuster trades that didn't get done

We look at the huge moves that fell over after the most dramatic Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period in memory