Essendon coach Brad Scott has come to the defence of star defender Ben McKay following the player being met with Bronx cheers from his own supporters during their recent match against Port Adelaide. McKay’s performance had been under scrutiny this season, and Bomber fans expressed their discontent by cheering ironically whenever he took a mark.
This criticism is particularly pointed given McKay’s recent signing with Essendon for the 2024 season, reportedly earning $1.4 million in his first year, positioning him as one of the highest-paid players in the AFL last year. Despite the fans’ jeering, McKay managed to deliver a strong performance during the match, contributing significantly to Essendon’s victory.
Scott defended McKay in a post-match press conference, noting that the 27-year-old was the leading intercept defender for much of the game and played a pivotal role in their success. He praised McKay’s physical attributes, highlighting his size and strength, which enable him to match up against key forwards effectively. Scott pointed out that key defenders often face challenges when the team’s overall defensive structure falters, a point relevant to their previous defeat where the Bombers conceded 160 points.
Scott expressed his pride in the way his team bounced back from their heavy loss, especially with a short five-day turnaround before the match. He reiterated that while criticism can be justified, his focus lies in addressing the issues and improving performance rather than reacting to external opinions.
Looking ahead, the Bombers will take a bye weekend to regroup before competing against Melbourne in Adelaide during the AFL’s Gather Round. This break presents a valuable opportunity for the team to assess their strategies and enhance their game plans going into future matches.