INSANE: 4 | Vintage Vibes

Merrett wins best and fairest, but Bombers exit looms

Essendon captain Zach Merrett is keen to leave for Hawthorn and has all but farewelled the Bombers after winning a sixth best and fairest award.

AAP · Oct 2, 2025

Fellow Bombers captains hope Merrett will stay

A fortnight after the revelation that Zach Merrett had met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell, two former Essendon captains have offered their support.

AAP · Sep 23, 2025

Hawks won't stand still as aggressive off-season looms

After Hawthorn lost their AFL preliminary final to Geelong, coach Sam Mitchell made it clear they cannot stand still and will aggressively recruit again.

AAP · Sep 19, 2025

'Everyone's healthy': Hawks ready for Cats prelim final

There's good news at Hawthorn after several players pulled up sore from last week's barnstorming semi-final win over Adelaide.

AAP · Sep 17, 2025

'Get used to it': Hawks captain backs recruiting raid

James Sicily is on board with Hawthorn's aggressive recruiting, insisting the club would be crazy not to go after talents like Essendon skipper Zach Merrett.

AAP · Sep 16, 2025

Hawks coach has no regrets over meeting Bombers captain

Coach Sam Mitchell says he'll continue to use any method he wants to improve Hawthorn after controversy about his meeting with Essendon captain Zach Merrett.

AAP · Sep 12, 2025

The 'complex' captaincy call that Bombers must make

One Essendon great can't see Zach Merrett continuing as captain after his meeting with Hawthorn, while the Bombers concede they face a difficult situation.

AAP · Sep 10, 2025

'Open arms': Hawks prepare for feisty airport reception

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell is confident the Hawks will cope with the reception they will face both on and off the field in Adelaide.

AAP · Sep 10, 2025

'We won't trade Zach Merrett': Bombers stand firm

Essendon coach Brad Scott says he won't be stripping Zach Merrett of the captaincy despite the star midfielder exploring a move away from the club.

AAP · Sep 10, 2025

AFL coaches unconvinced on merits of last disposal rule

AFL football performance boss Greg Swann is set to recommend a 'last disposal' rule to the AFL Commission but coaches aren't sure the change is necessary.

AAP · Sep 8, 2025