More than one club has shown an interest in Zach Merrett.Credit:Getty Images
Melbourne are another club to have shown strong interest in Merrett,who would add run and ball use to a formidable ball-winning midfield.
The Demons,however,have a tight salary cap. They confirmed on Tuesday night that they had recontracted Clayton Oliver for another two years,while their emerging superstar Christian Petracca is a free agent in 2022 when he would be one of the most coveted players in the game. Oliver will be a free agent in 2023,at the end of his new deal.
Merrett also was on the radar of Collingwood last year,but the Magpies,whooffloaded Adam Treloar and Jaidyn Stephenson during the trade period due to their salary-cap squeeze,would also have to find salary-cap room to make a serious bid.
Port Adelaide,despite being one of the flag favourites this year,expect to have salary-cap space heading into next year due to the unusual nature of their playing list,which has outstanding veterans such as Travis Boak and Robbie Gray,plus exceptional players under 22 leaded by Zak Butters,Connor Rozee and Xavier Duursma.
The Power have Gray,Steven Motlop,Tom Rockliff and Hamish Hartlett all coming out of contract this year and all on substantial contracts – a scenario that willallow Port to make room for an incoming free agent or recruit from another club,if they can attract one.
Merrett,25,who hails from Cobden in western Victoria,would fit Port’s ideal age demographic,since few of the club’s elite players are in their mid 20s.