Essendon defender Mason Redman is "disappointed" his captain Zach Merrett is exploring a trade to Hawthorn, saying Merrett's meeting with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell has far-reaching impacts on the Bombers.
"It's [a feeling of] disappointment that our captain, who is supposed to be leading us through this, is exploring other options," Redman said.
"Whenever you go through tough periods of anything you have thoughts pop into your head about all sorts of scenarios. I certainly don't begrudge him for having those thoughts.
"But myself being a leader, or the captain of the football club in his scenario, you have to potentially think about things differently because it's not just you that this impacts, it's the whole club. It's 'Scotty' [Brad Scott] as the coach, it's us as players, and all the fans as well."