Despite a 34-point defeat in Essendon’s final home game against the Blues, Brad Scott remains confident in the signs on display from his undermanned outfit.
Across the final month of the Club’s campaign, Scott has been insistent on exposure in different roles for his younger brigade, which is paying dividends in the form of players such as Isaac Kako, Angus Clarke and Archie Roberts.
Scott touched on the importance of the teenagers who - amongst a full squad that has now all played a game at AFL level barring one - are setting a strong base to compete for spots when the Bombers get back to full strength next season.
The rundown from Scott’s post-game media conference:
Scott’s review of the game
The effort was okay, the execution was poor.
We created plenty of opportunities, we just couldn’t finish at different stages. It’s incredibly frustrating for (Merrett) because he is such an elite finisher, but he reflects all of our leaders who are understanding of the challenge that’s in front of us right now.
They never at any stage have searched for an excuse or accepted one if offered. Things keep coming up every week for us at the moment unfortunately but we just keep finding a way to get out there and compete.
It’s getting frustrating because the effort’s not translating into the result, mainly because of execution.
Scott on… Kako starring
It was the best game he’s played for us.
He’s one of only four players who have played every game for us this year, which is always a fantastic effort for a first-year player.
We’re asking him to do a fair bit. We saw him coming into our side as a deep small forward and as the season’s gone on – normally first-year players start to fatigue a fair bit – we’ve asked him to do more.
I thought he showed some exceptional traits in centre bounce when we were struggling in there.
Scott on… silver linings
It speaks a little bit to our team at the moment.
In the last quarter we put second-year Archie Roberts in centre bounce to play as a genuine midfielder, when he’s never done that at AFL level.
The exciting thing for our fans, as frustrating as this is right now, is that we as a coaching staff are looking to (Clarke, Roberts, and Kako) to play major roles for us – they’re not just support acts.
Every player except one has played AFL on our list this year, so every player next year will start thinking that they’re a really good chance to be in our best side.
Scott on… Mason Redman lifting
Mason Redman has been exceptional ultimately playing as a key defender.
We think he’s taken his game to another level, so we’ve got to make sure that even if we do get some personnel back, that he keeps improving and working off the foundation he’s built in the last few weeks.
Scott on… connection
I don’t need to make the excuse, it’s just a fact these guys haven’t played together.
A really good pre-season in that (on-field connection) space will give us the opportunity to improve, but as I keep saying it doesn’t guarantee it. We’ve got to go and get to work on it.
Scott on… late changes
When (Durham and Laverde) say they’re struggling to function, they mean it.
Those two would, especially on Merrett’s 250th, they’d do anything to get out there. When they were doubtful, we just can’t play them.
The medical staff said they’ll both be right for next week. We’ll see how they’re going on Tuesday.
