St Kilda are reportedly preparing a "godfather" offer to try and lure Essendon captain Zach Merrett to Moorabbin this off-season.
The Saints have flagged they could be aggressive in the trade and free agency space over the next 12 months, with the Victorian club said to have a large amount of wiggle room in their salary cap for the coming years.
St Kilda are also potentially preparing to enter this year's trade period with a trio of first-round selections, with the compensation for the upcoming loss of free agent Josh Battle to Hawthorn a chance to secure them band one compensation, which would equate to Pick 8.
With three early draft picks at their disposal, the Saints could ramp up their plans to target star talent in 2024 instead, with Merrett said to be in the club's sights.
According toย 9 News'ย Tom Morris, the Saints are making a "bold" play for the Bombers star, who is unlikely to leave Essendon and is under contract for the next three years.
"I can tell you tonight St Kilda is preparing a bold bid to lure Zach Merrett out of Essendon," Morris revealed on Sunday night.
"There's been no formal contract offer yet, but those close to the Bombers captain are aware of the Saints' approach. I understand what's been informally tabled equates to a godfather deal worth well over $1 million per season, which is more than what he's on at the moment.
"Even though it's unlikely to turn the uncontracted Merrett's head, it speaks to the aggressive nature of St Kilda's trade strategy. Ross Lyon is understood to be a huge fan of the four-time best and fairest.
"Bombers fans would expect their club to baulk at this given [Merrett] is contracted until the end of 2027, but it won't stop St Kilda from trying."
St Kilda is preparing to make an audacious bid to lure an Essendon star away from Tullamarine. @tommorris32 #9News pic.twitter.com/R4UDQzAbFv
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) September 15, 2024
Morris added onย SENย on Monday morning that clubs are aware of Merrett's frustrations with the lack of finals action he has been exposed to during his career in the red and black.
"Merrett is very frustrated he hasn't been able to play consistent finals and he's adamant he wants to play finals footy," Morris said.
"Whether going to St Kilda or not would change that, I'm not sure, but nevertheless clubs are definitely aware of that fact."
An Essendon representative has since shot down any chance of Merrett departing the club for St Kilda.
โNeither the club nor Zach have any interest in exploring the concept. He is our captain and not going anywhere,โ an Essendon spokesman told The Age.ย
The Saints too have denied any move for Merrett, with a spokesperson informing News Corpย that the club has not held talks with the star Bomber or his management.
"We have not approached his management with a contract offer for Zach to join St Kilda," the spokesperson said.
"There has also not been any formal discussion of this topic with Zach or his management.
"We will not be making any further comment on this matter."
Merrett is in line to secure his fifth Crichton Medal this off-season after arguably a career-best campaign in Brad Scott's midfield.
The Bombers captain averaged 28.17 disposals, 9.57 contested possessions and 4.96 tackles per game this year.
