Contracted Essendon captain Zach Merrett is not for trade, says president Dave Barham, with the embattled AFL club determined to avoid losing more stars.

The Bombers president is also adamant the club won't let injury-prone defender Jordan Ridley leave, following Sam Draper's exit via free agency.

The Bombers were rocked when news broke this week that Merrett, who is contracted until the end of 2027, had met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell.

There have also been reports Merrett could choose not to attend Essendon's best-and-fairest awards as he agitates for a move.

That would put the Bombers in an awkward position given Merrett is the red-hot favourite to claim the Crichton Medal.

"Let me be clear. Zach Merrett is contracted to our football club and our position is clear, he is not fo

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