Zach Merrett’s wife reacts to failed trade as Hawthorn defender Blake Hardwick takes public jab at Essendon

Zach Merrett’s wife Alexandra has shared a brief message expressing her disappointment with the Essendon captain being held to his contract, after a Hawthorn player also took a jab at the Bombers.

Merrett was desperately seeking a trade to Hawthorn despite having four years to run on his contract at Essendon, who remained steadfast throughout the entire saga that they would not entertain a move on him.

Hawthorn offered a suite of draft picks, plus Henry Hustwaite, to Essendon, who listened to the Hawks’ advances but ultimately were unwavering, forcing Merrett to go back to the Bombers in an awkward reunion.

Alexandra addressed the situation with a blunt Instagram comment on a reaction post by former AFL player turned social media star Dan Gorringe.

“It’s not great Dan,” she wrote.

Shortly after the 7.30pm trade deadline on Wednesday night, Hawks defender Blake Hardwick posted an image of the Essendon logo on his Instagram story with the one-word caption ”Alcatraz” in reference to the maximum security 20th-century prison on an island off the bay of San Francisco.

It was quickly deleted, though, and replaced simply by a photo of Alcatraz itself, with no caption. The second post remained up for some time.

Kane Cornes said he saw nothing wrong with either post.

“I don’t really mind Hardwick having a crack at another club,” Cornes told Trade Radio on Thursday morning.

“I wouldn’t have done it, but it’s a bit harmless. It’s kind of funny.”

Essendon’s refusal to trade Merrett was the story of the trade period, and the Bombers star was the biggest name among several players who were unable to secure trades.

Merrett’s manager Tom Petroro, who had said earlier on Wednesday the star midfielder was “all in” on joining the Hawks, was pictured having animated discussions with Hawthorn officials as it became clear there would be no deal.

“He underestimated the Bombers, didn’t he, Tom Petroro — that was his biggest error,” Cornes said.

“He spoke publicly for the first time about Zach wanting to get out about three hours before the deadline.

“He was putting a lot of blame on the Essendon footy club, suggesting that they’re almost crazy to not accept that deal for a 30-year-old, which may be true, but he underestimated what this meant to the Essendon footy club.

“He said that Zach has given his all to the the footy club — well, that’s Zach’s job, Tom. Zach’s job is to actually fulfil his contract, which you signed, mind you. And which Essendon went back and you double-dipped a couple times and increased his pay and all of that.

“That is his job, to perform, like he has done. And credit to him, he’s been an unbelievable player, no one’s doubting that. His ability and the way that he’s led until this point.

“I felt like the blame was unfairly centred at Essendon. There’s no criticism for Hawthorn here either; Hawthorn did their absolute best to get him, they couldn’t have done any more — other than do what Sydney had done and (trade players).”