The decision to part ways with coach Brad Scott was driven by the need to offer a glimmer of hope to Essendon’s frustrated and underperforming fanbase. This move, described as a tough but necessary step, was discussed in detail by veteran football journalists Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson on a special episode of the Real Footy podcast.
During the episode, Niall and Gleeson examined the reasons behind the Bombers’ decision to let go of Scott. They highlighted that the team’s poor win-loss record had been a major factor. “It was clear that the performance wasn’t meeting expectations,” Niall said. “One win out of 24 games was the final straw.”
Gleeson added that while significant progress isn’t always required, the club needed to show signs of improvement. “The board didn’t see the forward movement they were hoping for,” he explained.
Despite the large crowd at the Dreamtime at ’G game, where Essendon lost to Richmond and dropped to the bottom of the ladder, Gleeson pointed out that declining attendance numbers were a worrying sign for Scott. He also raised questions about whether the fans fully understood the rebuilding process that had been underway over the past three and a half years.
“The fans haven’t experienced any moments of joy for an extended period,” Gleeson said. “When you only have one win in a year, and it comes from a game in Adelaide, it leaves fans feeling disconnected.”
He noted a shift in fan sentiment during a recent match against Fremantle at the MCG, where only 25,000 fans attended. “You could feel the despair among the supporters,” he said. “They were asking themselves, ‘Is this going to continue for another 12 months?’”
Gleeson also mentioned that the lack of fan engagement was a key concern for the club’s leadership. “It felt like the fans weren’t being brought along with the rebuild,” he said.
While neither Gleeson nor Niall believe James Hird will return as coach for a third time, his potential reappointment was a topic of discussion on the podcast. “Rehiring Hird would be a risky and controversial move,” Niall said. “I don’t think it’s likely, but nothing is ever certain.”
Just 24 hours before Scott’s departure was confirmed, the same podcast featured Caroline Wilson, an Age columnist, who predicted that Scott would be replaced by the club’s bye in round 15. The episode covered a range of topics, including discussions about the future of Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.
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