Essendon Bombers pitch $10 million contract for Hawthorn Hawks young gun Josh Weddle after the trade period drama revolving around Zach Merrett and Sam Mitchell

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In an intriguing twist, Weddle is managed by Dylan Hodge, of TGI Sports. Hodge is the brother of Luke Hodge, the four-time Hawks premiership great.

When contacted on Wednesday, Dylan Hodge said Weddle was on holidays in Europe, and there was “nothing worth discussing”.

The Hawks and Bombers did not wish to comment.

A separate industry source, who also preferred to remain anonymous to speak freely, said even if the Bombers were unsuccessful in luring Weddle, they would more than likely have driven up his asking price.

Weddle has played 60 games in three seasons, and has become a cult hero because of his dashing play and flowing locks.

Merrett’s meeting with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell in September inflamed the Bombers, who were unaware Merrett had gone behind their back. When asked about this at the time on Fox Footy, Bombers coach Brad Scott said the “gloves were off”.

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“The reality is now that the gloves are off and all is fair in love and war and [if] that’s the path they want to go down, then we’ll play that game too,” Scott warned.

During trade week, the Hawks offered two first-round selections, a future first-rounder and fringe midfielder Henry Hustwaite for Merrett, but the Bombers wanted four first-round selections and a second-rounder. Despite last-minute discussions, a deal could not be done, leaving Merrett’s manager Tom Petroro fuming, and Merrett with no choice but to return to Essendon, where he appears all but certain to be stripped of the captaincy.

The Bombers have been hunting for a major recruit. They pursued Brisbane’s Zac Bailey, but the All-Australian forward has opted to remain with the reigning premiers.

Amid a growing band of long-term deals, Kennett said five-year contracts, with options, should be the longest handed to players.

“I think, sadly, they are not honoured by some, [but] they are by others. Long-term contracts provide substantial risks to clubs… they are more binding on clubs than they are on players… the AFL should review the offering of long-term contracts,” Kennett said.

There are four players with contracts running until at least 2033. They are Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett, St Kilda recruit Tom De Koning, Adelaide defender Josh Worrell and Fremantle’s Hayden Young.

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