Maybe we’ve spent more trying to develop leaders than we have developing players. Before one becomes a leader that warrants following, they need to become the best player they can. It starts there. Unfortunately Merrett is the only player on our list that consistently shows up on the field week in week out. Next best in that regard would be Roberts, Durham and Martin (and Ridley prior to his injuries).
I’ve said it before, the captain doesn’t have to be the best player in the team, but he sure as ■■■■ must be reliable to positively contribute on field and win his position each week.
Our list sucks. We need to start rating players who show up. It’s why I don’t rate this talk about Merrett not being held as highly as past champions. It’s a stupid call, he’s probably been the most consistently reliable player I’ve seen for Essendon, regardless of whether or not he has the top level brilliance of others like Hird etc which is a different thing altogether.
We need at least half a dozen more solid footballers who show up every week. Until a player is in that category, I don’t care what his leadership off field is like.
Scott is not the clubs most immediate problem, rather the fact that we are currently bottom dwellers and a player changing clubs would rather take the opportunity for success. Fair enough.
Scott and his manner and coaching ability may be a problem but it’s currently just a dot point on our long list.
This time of year plenty of ordinary players are ‘mutton dressed up as lamb’ and clubs compete for them like they’re world beaters. Flanders as an example is a handy player but not worth the young talent pick 7 could bring the Saints. They’re spending like drunken sailors. I’m glad we didn’t get him. Granted, Merrett is a very good player and his loss will be felt by us but to change our culture after what has transpired, he really should go if the deal is right. He’s an odd, intense little bastard!
The Hawks will be confident they can bend us over in this deal and this will be a fascinating test of our list management staff.
Agree snappy , inflated players abound this time of year whether from other clubs or even draftees.. I’d rather take my chance on a young enthusiastic kid with talents in areas we lack, like….skill,pace,toughness etc
Flanders would be the fourth midfield at best in our team behind Durham Caldwell Martin . Definitely not worth seven even in a draft year that’s supposedly average
Listening to his hostage, I mean winner’s, speech again and it really sounds like a man who’s been told that he won’t be traded. Everything in his speech was combative and a plea to be released. I won’t be surprised if Welsh actually is serious.
It’s interesting comparing these two videos. McGrath is a lot more encouraging than Merrett. It’s not definitive by any means but it probably illustrates their leadership styles.
After missing Flanders, I’m Very sceptical that hawthorn can actually offer anything that turns Essendon’s head. If Flanders had nominated maybe he was a piece that could’ve been involved in a multi club deal.
Agree with Cal I’d be suprised if two firsts gets it done especially the ones hawthorn has access too currently.
