Saints to table ‘Godfather’ deal to land star Bomber

St Kilda is preparing to launch an audacious bid to land Essendon skipper Zach Merrett, in what could be the trade of the off season.
According to 9news Melbourne’s Tom Morris, the Saints will table a deal that may be too good to refuse for Merrett, who has been captain of the Bombers since 2023.
And while there’s been no formal contract offer, the Saints will likely stop at nothing to bolster their stocks in the middle.
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“Those close to the Bombers captain and aware of the Saints approach,” Morris said on Sunday.
“I understand what’s been formally tabled, equates to a Godfather deal, worth well over $1 million per season.”
If that is true, Merrett will receive a pay rise, as it’s well more than his current contract.
Saints coach Ross Lyon is understood to be a huge fan of Merrett, with the club taking on an aggressive off season approach to attempt to land some genuine stars.
Merrett is contracted until the end of the 2027 season.
St Kilda will lose defender Josh Battle, who has formally requested a trade to Hawthorn.
Essendon skipper Zach Merrett is dejected after the loss to Gold Coast in round 22. AFL Photos via Getty Images
This trade report follows the Gold Coast Suns signing young forward Mac Andrew on a deal worth $12 million over the course of nine years.
The Suns on Wednesday announced a five-year extension for the 20-year-old beanpole which finishes at the end of the 2030 season.
The AFL trade period kicks off on Monday, October 9.