Zach Merrett’s future is “only going one way” as the Essendon skipper pushes for a bombshell trade.

That’s according to Nine’s Tom Morris, who first reported Merrett met with Hawthorn officials this week in a saga turning into a “really ugly war” between the star midfielder and the Bombers.

Morris also revealed people close to Merrett believe he’s unlikely to attend the club’s best and fairest in what could make for an awkward result, given the 29-year old is likely to win his sixth Crichton Medal.

Semi Final

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