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6mo ago

Essendon Leaders Take Blame for Defensive Meltdown After 0-2 Start

The accountability push signals a move to fix a systemic defence problem before facing North Melbourne.

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Zach Merrett has been invited back into leadership meetings.
Kane Cornes has pinpointed Essendon’s problems with the ‘wheel of blame’.
The spotlight is on Essendon for the wrong reasons and senior Bomber Kyle Langford had to explain. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Overview

  • Essendon’s 63-point loss to Port Adelaide on Sunday left the club 0-2 as questions grew about its failing team defence.
  • Kyle Langford said the breakdown is on the players and not coach Brad Scott, vowing a response against North Melbourne on Saturday night.
  • Captain Andrew McGrath called a players-only meeting after the defeat, and former skipper Zach Merrett joined leadership talks on Tuesday to help chart fixes.
  • The Bombers have allowed 157 marks to Hawthorn and 165 to Port Adelaide across two rounds, a sign of a system that lets rivals control the ball.
  • Brad Scott described the group as demoralised and lacking defensive edge, while Nine reported club great Tim Watson said those public remarks threw players under the bus.