New Bombers captain delivers players-only honesty session as 'disconnect' exposed
Updated . First published at
The chaos at Essendon has led to a players-only meeting after the side's loss against Port Adelaide as the club tries to rescue itself from another disastrous season.
The Bombers were comprehensively beaten by 63 points at Adelaide Oval, leading to coach Brad Scott pointing to selfishness in the playing group.
Nine's Damian Barrett reported on Footy Classified that it resulted in new captain Andrew McGrath taking a stance post-match.
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"It happened moments after Brad Scott finished addressing Essendon players and the wider Essendon group," he said.
"New captain Andrew McGrath requested that everyone bar the 23 players that had taken the field leave the room, where the doors were shut and a range of frustrations were aired among the 23 players including frustrations with each other, frustrations with how Hawthorn in round one and Port Adelaide in round two had so easily dismantled this football club."
Andrew McGrath leads his team off field. Getty
The Bombers were out of the contest early in Adelaide, down 6.5 (41) - 1.3 (9) at the first break.
It was only in the second half they formed somewhat of a resurgence but it was all too late.
Club legend Matthew Lloyd wasn't surprised by McGrath's actions.
"I suppose then it what's you do about it," he said.
Lloyd posed a series of questions the Bombers players might have asked about whether it's on them or if there's confusion with the game plan.
"(Scott) spoke about let's dig in and fight, because their pressure is the worst in the competition," Lloyd said.
"So he might say, 'Why are we the worst pressure team in the comp?'
"And they might say, 'Hey, we're confused in certain areas, which is taking away our confidence'."
Essendon coach Brad Scott speaks after the game. AFL
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Geelong premiership winner Jimmy Bartel believes it "points to a disconnect" in the club.
"Maybe he (Scott) might have to challenge his own philosophy on football and coaching," he said.
" ... He might need to have a look at the way he's trying to coach, I'm not saying he's the right guy or wrong guy.
"They're clearly with him this season so he needs to peel it right back and might have to go a little bit old school where the coach gets out there on the field with the whistle."
