'Desperate for some relevance': Essendon coach clips GWS over banner jibe

GWS are "desperate for some relevance".

So said Essendon coach Brad Scott when asked in his post-match press conference on Saturday night for his thoughts on the Giants' banner.

Under the headline Essendon on the GWS banner was the word strengths. Under that word was nothing but blank space.

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Also beneath Essendon was the word weaknesses. Under that word was 7916 days – the length of time it's been since the Bombers last won a finals match.

The jibe was a cheeky play on whiteboard-gate.

Scott was asked about the Giants' banner after his side fell to GWS by 14 points in Sydney.

"I did catch it out of the corner of my eye," he said.

"I mean, the Giants are pretty desperate for some relevance in the competition to try and build their fan base.

"I'm just such a strong proponent of building our game in the northern states – in Western Sydney and on the Gold Coast – and I think that's really important for the AFL.

"I'm reluctant to sort of comment on other clubs, but they make their decisions, we'll make ours."

On the Brisbane Lions whiteboard exposed by the mischievous parent of an AusKicker last week, strengths and weaknesses were jotted down for each Essendon player.

Zach Merrett and Kyle Langford were labelled "selfish", Sam Durham was called a "hot head", and beside Ben McKay's name were the words "low confidence".

Scott said he didn't use whiteboard-gate to motivate his players this week.

"I think it's interesting for people," he said.

"It's not something I spent much time on at all. The only time I spend on it is when I get asked questions about it."

The Bombers were valiant in search of their second win from their past 18 games.

They led by 15 points at half-time and two points at the final change, before the Giants ran in five goals to the Bombers' two in the last term.

With six minutes left on the clock and GWS leading by eight points, Connor Idun produced an outstanding smother as Bombers youngster Jayden Nguyen tried to snap a goal from just outside the goal square.

GWS held on to win 16.7 (103) to 13.11 (89).