'We've had discussions': Brad Scott backs controversial call to deny Dyson Heppell farewell game
Updated . First published at
Essendon coach Brad Scott wasn't too happy being questioned about his decision to leave out retiring club great Dyson Heppell on Friday night.
The Bombers went down to the ladder-leading Swans by 39 points at Marvel Stadium, after leading by seven points at half time.
But it wasn't the loss, which likely locks the Bombers out of the top eight, which had Scott feeling pretty frosty.
READ MORE: Latrell's season over after scandal, injury
READ MORE: Panthers fears allayed as Cleary eyes finals return
READ MORE: Titmus claims athletes were 'living in filth' in Paris
Instead, it was when he was asked about Heppell post-match where Scott became frosty.
Heppell, who captained the club between 2017 to 2022 and played 252 games, was not selected for a final home game farewell, despite being available and not injured.
Brad Scott was angry post match, after Essendon's loss to Sydney. Getty
Fans were still able to farewell Heppell, who walked around the ground before the match chatting to fans, but for some, it didn't feel like a proper send off.
"Are you able to talk us through the Dyson Heppell decision … not selecting him tonight?," a journalist asked during the post-match press conference.
Scott then stared down said journalist, before finally responding and explaining why they chose to leave him out.
Essendon great Dyson Heppell thanks fans after retiring. Getty
"We've had discussions for four to six weeks, he is as strong as I am on this," Scott began.
"We were still in contention and we pick our best team and that's what we did, and that's what everyone would expect us to do (to try and make finals)."
Then, Scott was asked if he would consider selecting Heppell for their final home-and-away match in round 24, against Brisbane at the Gabba.
Essendon skipper Zach Merrett reacts after the loss to Sydney in round 23. Getty
"Yeah potentially (we will pick Heppell), but we're dissecting this one first," Scott said.
The Bombers coach shook his head and decided he would end his post match press conference then and there.
It was a frosty encounter, with Scott clearly frustrated with the lack of trust put into his selection decisions.
Essendon retiree Dyson Heppell hugs a young fan during their match against Sydney in round 23. AFL Photos via Getty Images
However, the loss in round 23 likely spells the end of their 2024 campaign, as they sit in 10th on the ladder.
While the Bombers are currently only half a game out of the top eight, there are still seven games to go in this round, which will likely see them slip further down the ladder.
It's been 56 years since Essendon won a final under anyone other than former coach Kevin Sheedy.
