Any trade that would see Zach Merrett join Hawthorn will have to be approved by the Essendon board, who have taken a strong stance on the potential defection of their six-time best and fairest winner.

The development came on a day that saw Carlton officially reject Geelong’s offer of three first-round picks for superstar forward Charlie Curnow, Brody Mihocek cross from Collingwood to Melbourne for a swap of late picks, and North Melbourne emerge as a potential suitor for snubbed Giants defender Leek Aleer.

While the Bombers’ football department could approve of a deal with Hawthorn, the trade would still need board approval, according to a senior club source speaking anonymously. This veto power is in an environment in which Essendon’s hierarchy, headed by new president and former player

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