Rival clubs will need to be creative if they are to pull off bumper AFL trades for Essendon captain Zach Merrett and Carlton key forward Charlie Curnow.

With Wednesday's 7.30pm deadline looming, the Bombers remain adamant Merrett's wish of a move to Hawthorn will not happen.

Similarly, the Blues are yet to be enticed by Geelong or Sydney, who have conducted medicals with Curnow.

Essendon and Carlton have not budged for the past week over the two stars.

That means the offers will most likely need to be sweetened with high draft picks, on-traded from other clubs.

Christian Petracca's wish to join Gold Coast looks more likely, given the Suns have picks seven and eight as they try to strike a deal with Melbourne for the Norm Smith Medallist.

The Bombers were blindsided a month ago with t

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