Hawthorn defender Blake Hardwick has taken a jab at AFL rivals Essendon in a since-deleted Instagram post after they held wantaway midfielder Zach Merrett to his contract.

Merrett was desperately seeking a trade to Hawthorn despite having four years to run on his contract at the Bombers, 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.

Shortly after the trade period deadline of 7.30pm on Wednesday night, Hardwick posted an image of the Essendon logo on his Instagram story, with the one-word caption, ”Alcatraz”, referencing of cours

See Full Page