Essendon supporters can anticipate coach Brad Scott to keep away from “sugar hits” to repair the obvious issues on the Bombers which led to an “unacceptable” end to the season based on membership president David Barham.
Pushing to be a part of the finals in Scott’s first season, the Bombers fell aside horribly within the last two rounds, shedding to first GWS after which Collingwood by a mixed 196-points.
Making issues worse, Essendon managed simply eight objectives in these two matches, together with simply three within the last spherical capitulation to Collingwood to complete the season on 11 wins and 12 losses, and in eleventh spot on the ladder.
The Bombers, who all through the season defeated finalists Carlton, Melbourne and the Giants, additionally simply bought over the road towards wood spooners West Coast, by a single level within the last month of the season.
While acknowledging the Bombers have been “not good enough” to play finals, requires drastic adjustments have been tempered by Barham who mentioned there was a powerful view to search for long-term success.
The retention of free agent Darcy Parish is looming however Barham additionally backed in Scott, who may have hit first full low season and pre-season in cost, to make the required adjustments to make sure the efforts of the ultimate two rounds are usually not repeated.
“Brad has done an excellent job in his first season. He‘s gained the respect of all at the club, in particular the playing group. He’s an experienced leader who will soon commence his first full off-season with the playing group, driving improvement and further growth,” Barham mentioned in a letter to members..
“In 2023 we’ve finished the season with 11 wins – up from seven wins last year – and were in the hunt for finals until the final rounds.
“It was disappointing to miss the finals and the last two games were particularly disappointing. In a year characterised by dogged, determined performances, these last two matches were out of character and unacceptable to all.
“The reality is, we were not good enough to play September football. The ladder doesn’t lie, and our job is to accept where we are, put our heads down, and get better and that’s what we are doing.”
Barham mentioned the Bombers could be “doubling down” on assets for participant growth and training to construct on what he known as the bottom Scott had created this yr for the membership, which has not received a last since 2004.
“There is a lot of work ahead. But this club is committed to doing everything properly, no matter how long that takes,” he mentioned.
“Short-term fixes and sugar hits are not the key to long-term success. I have no doubt a well-considered strategic plan, a committed off-field organisation, a focused and hardworking football department of players and coaches, and unwavering support from our fans will bring results.
“With a young team and in year one of a new era, there were fluctuations in performance, and, with a couple of exceptions, we have been a highly competitive team. However, our end to the season has not been good enough and will drive our off-season.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
