It was an AFL trade period filled with contracted stars pushing to switch clubs — and by Wednesday night’s deadline only some got their way.

Essendon said no to Hawthorn and now long-time captain Zach Merrett will almost certainly line up without a leadership role next year as he bids to earn back the respect and trust of the club and Bombers fans.

Charlie Curnow’s bid to get out of Carlton went right down to the wire, but he ultimately secured a move to the Sydney Swans, his second preference, after Geelong never really forced their way into the mix with a strong offer.

The dual Coleman medallist attempted to tune out and wait to learn his fate but couldn’t help himself as the deadline neared.

“Last 20 minutes I was starting to get very nervous. I don’t know why they took it to the wi

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