James Hird, the former coach of Essendon, has expressed his disappointment with the club following their heavy 77-point defeat to Collingwood on Anzac Day. The Bombers conceded 15 goals in the second half, with Collingwood dominating, especially in the final quarter.
Hird highlighted a particular concern regarding veteran player Scott Pendlebury, who at 38 delivered an outstanding performance, amassing 43 disposals, two goals, and several key involvements. He won the Anzac Medal for the fourth time, showcasing a level of play that was unexpected given his previous form this season.
Hird was perplexed by Essendon coach Brad Scott’s decision to allow Pendlebury to navigate the midfield unchallenged, emphasising the veteran’s ability to exploit space and use the ball effectively. He remarked on how Pendlebury repeatedly found himself in advantageous positions, asking aloud why the Bomber players failed to apply defensive pressure in those areas.
He praised Pendlebury as one of the game’s greats but was baffled by Essendon’s defensive strategies that left such a high-calibre player free to operate. Hird did not shy away from scrutinising the team’s approach, stating that allowing Pendlebury to roam freely through the corridor was a critical error. He asserted that if the defensive structure permits a key player to play in such a damaging space, it signals a failure in the team’s tactical setup.
Co-host Jimmy Bartel echoed Hird’s sentiments, emphasising that Essendon appeared non-competitive during the game’s concluding phase, underlining the severity of their performance.
The outlook remains challenging for Essendon as they prepare to face reigning champions Brisbane at Marvel Stadium in round eight, followed by matches against GWS and Fremantle, culminating in a Dreamtime clash with Richmond.