Tom Morris, chief football reporter for Nine, suggests that Essendon Bombers coach Brad Scott has subtly criticised the club’s former management. After a 48-point defeat to GWS Giants, Scott indicated his preference for organic team development over purchasing established players, commenting, “I’m biased towards building teams rather than buying them.”
Scott highlighted the challenges faced by Essendon due to past strategies of pursuing big-name signings, emphasising the need to establish a strong foundation of quality players before seeking a single star player to turn the team’s fortunes around. Despite his stance against signing marquee players, he mentioned interest in former No. 1 draft pick Harley Reid.
Since Scott’s arrival at the end of the 2022 season, the club has made several player acquisitions. Noteworthy additions for 2024 include Xavier Duursma, Jade Gresham, Ben McKay, and Todd Goldstein, while other signings, such as Will Setterfield and Sam Weideman, have been less impactful, with Weideman subsequently delisted. The club’s strategy raises questions about its list management, particularly regarding whether they aim to avoid standout players or mainly focus on the draft.
Morris interpreted Scott’s comments as a dig at former list manager Adrian Dodoro, who oversaw recruitment for nearly three decades before departing in November 2024. Essendon legend James Hird echoed this perspective, advocating for a strong draft strategy alongside calculated trades. Hird pointed out that the Bombers may have multiple first-round draft picks this year, implying a shift towards a draft-centric approach.
Scott’s contract runs until 2027, which has led some, including Morris, to believe that he is preparing fans for a longer rebuild phase without explicitly using the term “rebuild.” The club’s recent trend of introducing 13 debutants in a single season signals a significant developmental strategy, aligned with a long-term vision for future success. Overall, while Scott’s comments suggest a commitment to building from the ground up, there remains ongoing speculation about the club’s tactical direction.