Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has voiced his strong criticism of the "absolute mess" currently plaguing his former club following their heavy defeat to Adelaide, where they lost 161-100. The match highlighted significant defensive weaknesses for Essendon, an issue Lloyd believes poses a "tough fix" for the team.
During a segment on Nine’s Sunday AFL Footy Show, Lloyd pointed out that the Bombers’ defensive shortcomings have persisted for several years. He stated, "Defensively, they are poor and they have been for a number of years," and went on to describe the situation as an "absolute mess," blaming inadequate defensive work and systems for the results. He stressed that these challenges span the entire organisation, indicating a collective issue rather than isolated problems.
This season, Essendon has already conceded over 100 points in their opening game against Hawthorn, and their upcoming fixture against Port Adelaide, who recently secured a significant victory over Richmond, isn’t expected to provide any relief.
Lloyd singled out Ben McKay, the club’s highest-paid player, who earns around $1 million, for his underwhelming performances. He remarked, "He can be non-competitive," suggesting that the pressure that comes with his salary demands improved results. Lloyd emphasised that McKay must step up and perform better under that pressure.
Concerns were also raised regarding the Bombers’ recruitment strategies. Lloyd highlighted a trend of missed opportunities, noting the team has struggled to transform several top 10 draft picks into elite players. "All recruiters may overlook a few, but can you really miss on that many high-profile picks? They’ve missed out on three," he asserted.
In summary, Matthew Lloyd has called for an urgent reevaluation of Essendon’s defensive strategies and recruitment processes. He indicates that the club’s struggles stem from both personnel and systemic issues that will require comprehensive changes to rectify. As the club seeks to navigate a challenging season, these reflections provide a critical overview of the significant hurdles facing Essendon.