Essendon try to ship on membership nice Matthew Lloyd’s demand for a “tougher, nastier brand” of soccer, in keeping with new skipper Zach Merrett.
Speaking at his first ever captains’ day to launch the 2023 AFL season, Merrett, who took over from long-time skipper Dyson Heppell, stated he had no difficulty with Lloyd’s scathing feedback.
The Bombers legend stated the time for excuses was up and gamers wanted to be mentally and bodily harder.
“A tougher, nastier brand I am hoping we see from the Bombers this year,” Lloyd informed 3AW.
Essendon solely managed seven wins final season, which led to Ben Rutten being sacked as coach.
He was changed by former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott after the Bombers failed in a last-ditch try to lure Alastair Clarkson.
Merrett says he is near three-times Coleman Medal winner Lloyd, who was key to the Bombers’ final premiership again in 2000, and revered the champion goal-kicker’s views.
“I’m actually quite close to Matt and I chat to him a bit,” midfield ace Merrett stated.
“He’s a passionate Essendon person which we love and as players respect his opinion.
“He’s been a champion of our membership and of the entire AFL so he is aware of what he is speaking about.
“We’re certainly trying to establish a brand, trying to be consistent, trying to play with that passion that past Essendon champions or teams have had.
“I’ve bought full respect for Matthew so I’ve bought no qualms with him having a pot at us.”
Merrett, 27, said the club had identified their defence as a major area for improvement ahead of their round-one clash with Hawthorn on Sunday week.
“We simply should be a bit extra balanced – you’ll be able to have a look at the information for the final 5 years and we have been fairly low in defensive rankings so we have to enhance rapidly,” the two-time All Australian said.
“We must stage up and be much better in that space … we really feel prefer it’s enhancing however we cannot know till we get to play for 4 factors and see how we go.”
Merrett said Essendon will look different, changing their game plan and system under Scott.
“It’s going to look rather a lot completely different and followers will discover the distinction in how we arrange,” Merrett stated.
“Whether we execute that for 120 minutes I’m certain we cannot however hopefully we begin to construct extra consistency … however it will likely be fairly clear in spherical one about what we’re attempting to do.”
Meanwhile, Essendon assistant coach Dale Tapping has been diagnosed with a type of blood cancer – myeloma – but will continue working in his role while undergoing weekly treatment.
“The problem is accepting what I’ve bought and now having a strategic plan and strategy of therapy,” Tapping said in a club statement.
“I’ve bought a very good plan and dealt with by the most effective specialists and provides us our biggest likelihood to dwell a protracted wholesome life.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
