Despite Essendon’s 12‑point loss to North Melbourne on the weekend, Senior Coach Brad Scott highlighted some positive signs during this morning’s media conference.

Scott pointed to encouraging VFL performances that may boost selection availability ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs, while reaffirming that the Bombers will take an aggressive, front‑foot approach into round four.

All of Scott’s comments from this morning’s presser below.

Brad on… Nate Caddy

We had no indication during the game that there was any issue. As part of our normal post‑game process, our medical team assesses every player. It was during that assessment that signs of concussion appeared.

With delayed‑onset concussion, it can be hard to diagnose, particularly when a player has never experienced concussion symptoms before.

As soon as he was assessed by the doctor, he was placed straight into concussion protocols. There were no signs during the game, but the symptoms became obvious within hours afterward.

We have a clear protocol, with 12 days being the minimum, not the automatic return point.

We will continue to assess him daily and make a decision about his return based on what is in his best interests.

Brad on… concussion protocol discussion

Every concussion case is different, which makes it difficult to comment in broad terms.

Obvious concussions are easier to identify now. Doctors make these decisions independently, with support from ARC doctors as an additional layer of protection.

We play a contact sport, and there are significant collisions that result in no concussion at all.

If there is any doubt, the player is removed. I disagree with suggestions that players are deliberately trying to rush through concussions. Players are more informed than they’ve ever been.

Brad on… North game takeaways and overall performance so far

We were chasing a result and we didn’t get it, so that’s the first thing.

Positively, we’re generating more inside‑50 entries, more scoring shots and transitioning the ball well from defence to attack.

However, our last disposal inside-50 has been poor, and it’s hurting us in two ways, we’re not scoring and we’re exposed defensively.

Some of our mistakes are difficult to defend and result in a double impact.

That said, our pressure and contest have improved significantly over the first two weeks.

We’re closing the gap in most areas of the game, but the frustration is that we’re not yet playing to our full capability.

Brad on… positive VFL performances

Tom Edwards played VFL last week and did an exceptional amount of work. Full credit to him and the rehab staff after 12 months out.

Sullivan Robey played very well. Nick Bryan returns in the VFL this week after his ACL.

Availability is starting to improve, but we still need to make some structural decisions in the forward line.

Brad on… list turnover and investing in youth

You can put labels on all sorts of things, but when you turn your list over by 39 players in three years, I think the hard works done.

We invested in youth. We made decisions to push things into the future to be able to bring in opportunities to invest in the draft.

We accepted the short‑term challenge that comes with that. You combine high list turnover with injuries and investment in youth and you don’t have cohesion.

That’s something we’re working through, but it was a decision we made knowing there would be short‑term challenges.

Brad on… round four focus

I’ve never been a person, player or coach that is interested in reducing a margin.

You go out and you get on the front foot and, like in boxing, you throw the first punch, you have a go at the opposition.

We’re at a stage where we’ve got to go out with an attitude and a plan to get the job done.