News

Lucas to be rested this weekend

Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Jessica Cook for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Matthew Knights today announced that veteran, Scott Lucas, will not play this Friday night against Hawthorn.

Knights said that after a slow start to the season, Lucas has been given the option to take a week off or to play in the VFL to help find some form and break out of his current cycle.

“We had our match committee meeting this morning and we have made the decision that Scott will not be in the 22 this week,” he said.

“Whether he has this weekend off both physically and mentally and then comes back in the VFL the following week or if he plays VFL this week, we haven’t decided yet.

“We want him to go away, regain some form and then he can come back and make a big impact on the team, particularly in the second half of the year.

“We felt it was the right thing to do as a match committee, I spoke to Scott this morning, he is very measured and pretty calm about it, and he is a very experienced man and knows what he has to do.

“Hope fully sooner rather than later, he gets that form and comes back into the side as we really need him not having Hille, McVeigh, Welsh and Fletcher.”

To watch the Knights media conference on Bomber.tv click here

Knights said that whilst Lucas is disappointed with the decision, he has been in football along time and has acknowledged that his form isn’t where he would like it to be.

“He is disappointed as I’m sure anyone would be, but I’m confident he will come back, sooner rather than later and play some really good football,” he said.

“I’ve given the decision to Scott this morning, whether he plays in the VFL or not, he is going to have a think about whether he needs a few days off for a complete physical and mental rest and then come back in the VFL.

“We just feel in supporting Scott it is the best way to go. To go and find some form, come back into the side with form so we can see the true Scott Lucas. It was a tough decision and something we really thought about.”

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As much as i love Lucas,i think this had to happen,he has been one of our best players for many games,this year has`nt been great!hope to see him come back later in the year,back to his best,good luck Scotty!...hands up Bellchambers,Laycock!

- mawby Ian (posted 5/05/2009 11:02:57 AM)

All the best Scotty! You are a champion player of our great club, so prove those critics wrong! You'll be back mate with avengence!! Go Bombers!

- Luke Templer (posted 5/05/2009 11:06:24 AM)

I thought that with no Fletcher, Scotty could have been tried down back, I think he needs game time more than a rest?

- Richard Neudert (posted 5/05/2009 11:07:47 AM)

Hang in there Scott. You are still a champion and remember " A champion is someone who gets up even when he can't" and you still have it in you to get back up to your true playing ability. You have quietly achieved so much for our Club & I for one want to see you achieving again.

- Graham Jenkin (posted 5/05/2009 11:13:22 AM)

All the best Scotty. You deserve every opportunity to find some form. Hopefully, with Brent Prismall feeding you the ball you can quickly regain your touch with Bendigo. Hope to see you in the senior side again real soon!

- Gavin Higgins (posted 5/05/2009 11:16:49 AM)

Right Call. Good Luck Scott, come back better then ever

- Matthew Holloway (posted 5/05/2009 11:31:08 AM)

As much as I like Scott Lucas as a player I think this is a good idea. I just hope now Knights puts in players that actually can take over these positions like Fletcher's position and Lucas'. Lets go Bombers...I know you can do it!!! GO NASHY!!!

- Belinda Purves (posted 5/05/2009 11:35:21 AM)

Hopefully Scotty can kick a bag in the VFL and build some confidence. I think all it takes for guys like him is one good game and they switch back on pretty quick. C'mon Scotty!! Can't wait to see him thumping goals from 65m like we know he can.

- Greg Sloan (posted 5/05/2009 11:39:46 AM)

I was expecting this to happen a few weeks ago, but now with senior players out, might have been better option to throw him down back, it was only few years back thats where he played great footy !!!!

- Luke Tuckett (posted 5/05/2009 11:44:49 AM)

Unbelievable decision. All Scott needs is to get his kicking in order. If he'd kicked straight, he'd have nearly a dozen goals this season. His form is no worse than the skipper's.

- Bill Griffiths (posted 5/05/2009 11:47:34 AM)

Tough call Knighter but that's your job and it was due. Scotty prove you can still play. You'll be welcome back.

- Steve Jones (posted 5/05/2009 11:56:30 AM)

Correct me if I'm wrong please but isn't Scotty on a 1 year contract? Perhaps the pressure to prove that he's worthy of an extension is affecting his performance. Good luck Scotty, we all know how well you can play when you're at your best.

- Adrianne Blainey (posted 5/05/2009 12:05:34 PM)

Tough decision, but not convinced it's the right one with so many experienced players out! If our former champion captain James Hird believes Scotty should remain in the firsts to gain confidence, that's good enough for me!

- Peter Venn (posted 5/05/2009 12:05:35 PM)

You have got to be joking, just when he is starting to get his hands on the ball (9 kicks, 6 handballs & 7 marks) you blokes give him a rest. OK, he's game has errors in it right now but he's not the only one. All Scott Lucas needs right now is more game time to fine tune his skills in play. No wonder Scott is disappointed, he believed he was getting closer to hitting top form. This worthless excercise has put him back 4-5 weeks. :-(

- Brett Jukawics (posted 5/05/2009 12:05:43 PM)

You'll be fine Scotty. Take a break and push the reset button. I'm sure you'll come back fightin hard. If you choose to play in the VFL then kick a bag Scotty and fly for some of those big marks you love to take!

- Terri Xuereb (posted 5/05/2009 12:12:12 PM)

This is not the right decision, if your going to drop lucas, well lets drop lloyd, and monfries, will get smashed by a hundred points this week...

- simon ramo eramo (posted 5/05/2009 12:28:43 PM)

A tough call to make but I think a good one as the only thing in my view Scotty lacks is confidence and I think he can regain that confidence with a game in the VFL. A true champion as I believe Scotty is and has been for a long time never loses ability.

- Tony Dwyer (posted 5/05/2009 12:31:19 PM)

If Lucas is out, how about you coaching clowns give Cale Hooker the same game time up forward as you've given Daniher & Pears in the backline. Hooker has been second to none at Bendigo & shown great commitment to the roles given him. I thought we were in a rebuilding phase at EFC, we need a kid with height who can stand up and take a grab for us up forward. Hooker has come from nowhere to put himself in the mix this year, just like a young bloke from Camperdown Sheeds chucked in and stuck with 12 years ago.

- Brett Jukawics (posted 5/05/2009 12:57:27 PM)

monfries isnt the answer, he should be in the bendigo side permanently

- afradopilious frette (posted 5/05/2009 1:00:54 PM)

Not sure if there is a suitable replacement for Lucas given the long list of injuries to experienced players but it needs to be someone who has earned a place in the seniors and certainly not Quinn or Daniher who need to learn the trade in the seconds!

- Stefan Hruszowski (posted 5/05/2009 1:03:02 PM)

Ridiculous decision! The only reason to drop someone of scotty's ilk is to bring in someone who is better. Is anyone forgetting that he takes an oppositions number 1 or 2 defender? Mindless decision match commitee!

- Dominic Moscatello (posted 5/05/2009 1:22:27 PM)

Not A Good decision we need him this week, this week could have been the turning point. Look at the stats he is leading the marks with 44 for the year, now you have taken this from the team!!

- David Djurovitch (posted 5/05/2009 1:38:58 PM)

Bad decision. It appears strange to me, Scott showed his best form to date last week / now he is dropped. He was trying real hard last week when a number of other players were just going through the motions - those players will still be in the team this week. Justice! I don't think so. The wheels are turning behind the scenes ............

- Victor Tallis (posted 5/05/2009 1:47:47 PM)

Scott - get back. You are a champion. People should stand back and look at the younger players and stop making excuses for them. Some of the younger players don't deserve to be wearing The Red and The Black ....................

- Victor Tallis (posted 5/05/2009 1:52:23 PM)

I can see both sides on this matter,but history will record whether the replacement player 1/ is a worthy contributor to the team performance 2/proves to be a wise selection 3/fills the void left by a proven,experienced champion 4/ is not a wasted selection opportunity. Obviously as far as the selectors are concerned,Scotty is incapable of filling another role in the seniors at this point of time... We all live in hope,that "everything will turn out for the best...."

- Noel Shields (posted 5/05/2009 2:18:43 PM)

Smartest move would be to play LUCAS in the BACKLINE but the selectors are not that smart. Didnt know what names were correct on team sheet last week.

- Doris Flanagan (posted 5/05/2009 2:32:38 PM)

Scotty Lucas needs this rest to freshen up his mind more than anything. He looks tired, slow and out of sorts. Well done Matty Knights and the coaching staff, having to make a tough all on a true Bomber great!

- Matt Grima (posted 5/05/2009 2:54:48 PM)

WOULD OF BEEN GOOD FOR HIM TO PLAY RESERVES GET HIS CONFIDENTS BACK AGAINST opponent who isn,t asgood as him it would of been good

- Luke Jones (posted 5/05/2009 3:15:29 PM)

Bad luck Scotty but you have been around long enough to know that these decsisions are tough one for coaches to make. Go back to the VFL side & I hope Hickmont plays him on the ball so he can get his hands on it, no use standing him at full forward if the pill is not getting down there. Stay tough Scotty you will be back soon mate

- Kerry Atkinson (posted 5/05/2009 3:19:43 PM)

tell lloyd to join him, and put monfries and slattery into the two's and leave them there bring in bock being 205 cm he will do wonders later in the last quarter. where is hurley?

- don carter (posted 5/05/2009 3:30:28 PM)

I thought Scott was better this week. He demands a good player be put on him, as who knows when he will break out. I believe he should have been put on the backline, where a couple of years ago he was an absolute star. Actually, Matty wasn't a whole lot better than Scott, and Monfries and some others were not as good. Wrong decision, in my opinion. Good luck, Scottie, I'm sure you'll turn it around.

- Joan Hill (posted 5/05/2009 4:16:36 PM)

Lucas you've been a champ you'll be back better. You have stood up for us when we needed you and you nearly did for hirdy and sheeds at subi. Like many i wonder if someone from the vfl will do much better atleast you know with lucas he can break the game open and as much as i love to see neagle come in i think he needs to work harder when he doesn't have the pill like many others. Knights should be putting lucas down back it always should of been him running around the wings not lloyd. By the way who has been elevated for Hill maybe John Williams? Exciting and reminds me of the Birdman

- Jeddy Telescourt (posted 5/05/2009 4:39:58 PM)

To drop Scott Lucas is a sad but correct call, But he will be back as strong as ever and I hope he decides to play for Bendigo and kick's butt. Keep the faith

- tom amos (posted 5/05/2009 4:41:04 PM)

You can't be serious Scotty tried his heart out last week and for that you drop him sure he is a bit down on confidence he's not holding his marks and kicking goals but he is not far off it and you so called no all second rate psychiatrists drop him to the VFL to regain his confidence, he should be playing CHB this week and you would see the real Lucas in action that's how he gets his confidence back not going to Bendigo, based on this astonishing decision Matty maybe thats where you and your match committee should be going.

- Rod Hooker (posted 5/05/2009 4:45:09 PM)

Bad call, he is not exactly Robinson Crusoe,is he Matty?

- Barry Coaker (posted 5/05/2009 4:46:48 PM)

I agree with Brett J.. Cale Hooker must be given a go up forward. If Neagle is still out then surely we need to have someone than can take a grab up forward. I would even bring Bellchambers in too and rotate thru the ruck. Leave a tall down the forward line. Pears, Myers and McPhee will have to bear the brunt and concede goals but we also need goalkicking opportunities up forward. Can't afford to leave the fwd line the way it is anymore.

- Terri Xuereb (posted 5/05/2009 5:03:56 PM)

If Scotty was going to be dropped to regain some form, why wasn't it done a few weeks back, instead of the week we play the reigning premiers without so many other vital senior players. We need Scotty at CHB this week. Yes, Hurley and co. will be great players for us, but can we really expect them to handle Buddy and Roughead in their current form?

- leigh McKenzie (posted 5/05/2009 5:10:52 PM)

OH DEAR, THE MATCH COMMITTEE WHO CAN`T EVEN FILL THE TEAM SHEET IN PROPERLY COME UP WITH THIS. WAS NOT THE WORST PLAYER IN BRISSY (I WAS THERE). STARTED TAKING MARKS AND FINDING SPACE AS THE GAME WENT. NEEDS TO WORK ON HIS KICKING(SO DO 25 OTHERS)AND HE IS BACK. ONE GAME AWAY AND NOW THIS. NEED HIM THIS WEEK ESPECIALLY. IF THERE IS A BETTER PLAYER IN THE TWOS,NAME THEM NOW OR DROP THE CLAYTONS CAPTAIN AS WELL..LIFT YA GAME COACHING PANEL

- Barry Douce (posted 5/05/2009 5:13:06 PM)

Bad decision, Scott is one of our champs.. with dustin out he would slot into the backline he has been great in defence in the past he would also take one of the opps. major players. and also help the young guys. What are we doing??? we need urgent goal kicking training also this has been an on going problem this year.

- John Pooler (posted 5/05/2009 5:13:54 PM)

yesss about time i i always wanted him to get dropped. he should never play for the bombers again. it is time for the younger forwards to step up......

- Cohlby Giblett (posted 5/05/2009 5:28:25 PM)

I was thinking he could be tried up in the back line also. Hopefully Scotty comes back and does well.

- Samantha Kisielis (posted 5/05/2009 5:31:53 PM)

good. hopefully neagle can come into the team and actually play well lucas is a good player when he wants to . just looks like the game is getting to fast and to strong for him.

- Jason Grech (posted 5/05/2009 5:35:16 PM)

comming into 2009 still not fully recovered from a knee injurie no real pre-saeson behind him all he needs is 1 or 2 even 3 weeks in vfl and he,ll b back to fourm TRIAN HARD SCOTT U WILL B BACK KICKING THOSE LONG BOMBS THAT WE HAVE MISSED THIS YEAR GOOD LUCK AND C U SOON

- Joe Muscara (posted 5/05/2009 5:35:29 PM)

Lucas has had more than a fair go....maybe this will inspire him!.In this day and age you can't afford to have players struggling to get a kick..it let's the whole side down.I wish him well,but I believe his time is up.

- Noel Paech (posted 5/05/2009 6:06:45 PM)

Bad decision!!! It disgraceful dropping one of our champion players, Scotty might not be kicking goals but he is in there trying his best....very disappointed!!

- Caroline McDonald (posted 5/05/2009 6:13:40 PM)

looks like we are conceding to hawthorn already yes he is struggling but he is still bringing the ball to ground not getting out marked how about getting some crumbers under his feet for once or under any of our forwards for that matter thats the problem i think our forward line is terrible and some of our players just arnt coming on.

- Brett Martin (posted 5/05/2009 6:14:04 PM)

I feel sorry for Scotty, i'm sure he will come back, but what amazes me is that lloyd is not far behind him, i believe he should be back in the twos to get some goal kicking practice,cause the money we are paying him,we are not getting the best out of him, is his confidence also down and why?

- Paul Pascuzzi (posted 5/05/2009 6:21:19 PM)

I would rather see Scotty get some form in the seconds rather than see him perform like he did on Saturday night. Fire up Scotty, show us you've still got it.

- Martin Mills (posted 5/05/2009 6:48:17 PM)

All the best Scottie! You are a champion and I have faith that it won't be too long until you show us the best you have again. Keep your chin up. Go The Bombers!!

- Karen Bojczuk (posted 5/05/2009 6:57:46 PM)

Poor Scotty, another kick in the teeth. As much as I respect the EFC coaching team, I think that a wrong decision has been made this time. Come back soon Scotty!

- Leanne Butterworth (posted 5/05/2009 7:26:51 PM)

good decision the match committee know what they are doing. it will be good for Scotty's confidence.

- Laloua Simmons (posted 5/05/2009 7:32:31 PM)

hope he plays in for Bendigo to get some confidence. hopefully neagle comes in so we have a young (hopefully in form) foward to kick to. we won't win anyway so it dosent matter.

- Tom Fraser (posted 5/05/2009 7:41:08 PM)

Disappointing call. Not only did Scotty play well down back a few years ago, my memory suggests he won the B&F from CHB! As many before me have pointed out, unlike a number

- Michael White (posted 5/05/2009 7:50:26 PM)

Scotty has been an icon of our club for many years. He is lacking some confidence. I got no doubt he will bounce back - everyone goes through these down periods during their career. No different than been in form. Good luck Scotty and hope to see you back very soon!

- Jim Polonidis (posted 5/05/2009 7:53:38 PM)

why???? its not as if anyone else could do any better,, all we need is decent delivery inside foward 50 and lucas and lloyd will play great. if lucas isnt going to be playing how about we put mcphee CHF and ryder down back on franklin??

- pete eley (posted 5/05/2009 8:16:25 PM)

i have to agree with some of the other comments on here that Lucas should be tried in the backline, probably CHB.

- David Zemunik (posted 5/05/2009 8:25:40 PM)

I am constantly amazed at the personal attacks made on our coaches, match committee and players. Have any of our armchair experts played at AFL level, do they know the individual players better than those we employ to make these decisions. Our job as supporters is to do just that, support. We can disagree with the decisions, but please leave the personal attacks to our opponents, we don't need them at our club.

- Frank Cowell (posted 5/05/2009 8:32:06 PM)

Blighty summed it up beutifully the other night. You would only drop Lucus if you had someone else better to bring into the team. Lucus is nearly leading the list in marks for the season. Who will do better? I don't see Neagle ripping it up in the VFL.

- Robert Monk (posted 5/05/2009 8:43:04 PM)

a couple of weeks late maybe but would have been hard to 'rest' him after the Anzac Day triumph. Has to play in the VFL. He needs touch and confidence, especially in his set shots which was his greatest strength in latter years. No good him getting kicks up the ground now. Play him out of the square if he comes good.He has been so good for so long. I sincerely hope he can contribute to our success again. Keep working Scotty. Defended your good name in the pub many a time. Most recently Anzac Day!

- John Sexton (posted 5/05/2009 9:45:12 PM)

Bad decision. If Scotty's form is the a line in the sand, there were another half a dozen players who had form worse than scotty. Who is better that will take scotty's place? Is this selection by media or the coaches?

- John Harink (posted 5/05/2009 10:28:04 PM)

I think Mathew Knights has made the right call. I think a thorough medical check and a spell up the coast for a week. A run in the VFL if everything is all clear and Scotty will be back and enjoying his footy and we know how good he is when he is right!.

- Rodney Broadbent (posted 5/05/2009 10:59:39 PM)

i agree he needs to get confidence back, you'll be back scotty - good luck hey! GO BOMBERS!

- Amber Langham (posted 5/05/2009 11:30:38 PM)

He has to cop it sweet 'cause his form's been crook, but not through lack of effort as he tries hard, maybe too hard at times. Lloyd's form hasn't been great, either. With Lucas and Fletch out, whoever plays on Franklin and Roughead better play tight

- Luke Dummett (posted 5/05/2009 11:43:48 PM)

I think it's a bit of a disappointing decision as he finds some of the ball up the ground but certainly is out of form in our forward half. I'm sure this isn't it for you Scotty Lucas, if you can strive to regain that confidence and form we know you have i believe you still have at least a couple years in you! Would love to see that Lucas come out again that kicked 8 goals in the last quarter in the James Hird and Kevin Sheedy farewell match against west Coast at Subiaco!

- Leigh Farrugia (posted 5/05/2009 11:47:54 PM)

I had a funny feeling that Scotty was just about to come up with the goods. One more week would of been nice. Last week looked like he was on the verge of kicking some goals and his hands have still got it. Anyway, I still back Knightsy 100%. Good Luck Scotty and come back and show us that form like the day in WA.

- Cory Williams (posted 6/05/2009 12:00:05 AM)

I see the logic in the decision to drop Lucas, but that doesn't mean I agree with it. As someone else said earlier, it would've been better to leave Scotty in the team and play him at centre half back to help the young kids in the back half. After all, he did win a best and fairest in 2003 playing in that area of the ground.

- Maranatha Sao-Mafiti (posted 6/05/2009 7:58:16 AM)

What about my dream team. He is avgering 70 points and I have too many other injuries to be able to cover him.

- Cameron Ward (posted 6/05/2009 8:35:46 AM)

Hard call, is scott really that bad at the moment or just down on what we expect, up the ground last week he looked like he was starting to have an impact, cant be any worse than mcphlea or slattery.

- anastasia Meek (posted 6/05/2009 8:55:14 AM)

i think its best Scottie just have a break and get away from the media. I know you'll get ur mojo back and show everyone what a star you are.

- Megan McFarland (posted 6/05/2009 9:44:06 AM)

Memo Matthew Knights: I have just 1 questions. With Lucas not playing, and the whole Hawthorn backline only having to concentrate on Llyod. WHO IS GOING TO KICK ENOUGH GOALS TO WIN. Have a REALLY good look at the way Hawthorn set up and maybe you will see how key forwards are played. ie NOT ON THE WINGS. Good luck backline as you will need it

- Geoff Congues (posted 6/05/2009 10:21:09 AM)

- John o toole (posted 6/05/2009 10:35:08 AM)

Knights you got it wrong this time!! This club needs Lucas to be playing how can you give up !!! James Hird has even said Lucas needs to be playing . . . need I say more!! Knights your starting to have no faith in your players its doesn't just take a couple of weeks Lucas deserves a chance!! Matthew Lloyd this is where you need to stand up and be a Captain rally your troops and get Lucas back in the side!!!! DO NOT GIVE UP SO EASILY DONS !!!

- Sam Santo (posted 6/05/2009 11:25:44 AM)

I guess it had to happen,he was out of form right call Knighter. While he could've played across Half back what good would it be if he can't even hold chest marks. 1 or 2 weeks in bendigo will do him the world of good. As for those of you so called supporters and members bagging him at least Matthew Knights had the balls to make the decision, so lets get behind him and the team and make some noise on friday night otherwise go away and find something else to do. I'm so sick of my fellow members/supporters being so negative when things don't go right.

- Darren Dunn (posted 6/05/2009 1:02:14 PM)

at least u admitted one thing Disco, things are not right !!!

- Sam Santo (posted 6/05/2009 1:44:49 PM)

Surely, resting scotty has to be a joke. Early games this year have not been great but why on earth drop him the minute he starts getting the ball. Are selectors actually aware we have already lost one star player this week. Play him down back.....he was all australian down there not so long ago. Give him the respect he has earnt and deserves

- John Baker (posted 6/05/2009 3:09:57 PM)

Scott I have been an Essendon supporter for the past 51 years and would rate you as one of the best players Essendon has fielded over that period. I am sure all Essendon supporters support me when I wish you a speedy recovery to form and that you will be back in the 22 some time soon

- Andrew Berriman (posted 6/05/2009 3:34:06 PM)

unfortunate, but necessary. we can't keep carrying 2 out of form forwards. scotty lucas is a true champion though, and will hopefully be back soon.

- Dale Vincent (posted 6/05/2009 5:28:21 PM)

get real Frank Cowell our recruiting staff are terrible and our match day staff are just as bad i even saw a women sitting next to knights a few weeks back what is she doing you say they have played and know better than us what a joke i have coached premierships and some of our player positions and match day tactics are like the under 12s. Its alright to say we are rebuilding but thats just an excuse for being pathetic just ask richmond,bulldogs,saints where has it got them they have been rebuilding for 20 years and are still no chance of winning a flag.

- Brett Martin (posted 6/05/2009 8:51:48 PM)

Brett Martin, It sounds like you coached the u12`s. I think your full of it. I also reckon the Saints do have a chance of a flag this year. And the Bombers chance will be from 2011 onwards.

- Cory Williams (posted 7/05/2009 12:58:15 PM)

While down on his high standards, at least Scott has been getting to the contest and being a competitive target. Sadly his kicking accuracy has let him down. My view is the form and effectiveness of Lloyd is a far bigger problem that Lucas - at least Scott is getting to the contest.

- David Gallagher (posted 7/05/2009 4:24:37 PM)

good luck scotty i'm sure what ever decision you make it will be the right one come back harder than ever

- Jeff Skinner (posted 7/05/2009 7:06:47 PM)

Very good decision, in order to get the best from Scott Lucas, he needs the chance to find his touch once again. Lets not drag the team down while we're waiting for that to happen. In the meantime, the younger players need the gametime. Look ahead to 2011 - 2013. Our time will come again, but not until we replace the old generation.

- Richard Hayward (posted 7/05/2009 9:37:27 PM)

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