Probably better Hardwick didn’t get the Essendon job would have been sacked 3 years into the job with us
Took Tigers 7 years to win a flag under Hardwick Essendon can’t handle that type of rebuild
Out of curiosity what is a “proper and thorough process”?
How do you know other clubs follow whatever that process is?
How do you know we don’t follow the same process as all the other clubs?
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Probably because they were all acting within the framework set by those that hired him in the first place.
I’m sure if I went into my workplace did the exact opposite of what my bosses tell me to do, I’d still be employed come the new year. And if I gave him the ‘hard honest truth’ and he should burn the building down and start again, I’m sure I’ll last long enough to be able to attend the xmas party.
A sports club is the same.
If the goal is to ‘get the most out of the current list’ then that doesn’t mean play the kids and delist all the oldies.
If the goal is ‘be patient and build a premiership list within 5 years’, then yes, you play the kids and filter out the oldies that aren’t performing.
There is a reason why inexperienced coaches are more often than not used in rebuild teams. Because they are easier to sack when it inevitably doesn’t begin working two years in. It’s also vice versa with experienced coaches, they rarely go hard and play the kids because they are result driven and trying to win every game. That’s what will keep them employed.
A typical junior coming out of the U18s is more likely to perform consistently around a decent framework of a team like Geelong and Sydney. They don’t play straight away and they can work themselves into the team, but when they do, their strengths are more likely exposed. Put the same junior in a crap team like we had this season and their weaknesses are more likely to be exposed. Confidence runs low and self doubt sets in.
Unfortunately for us, we’ve made poor list decisions and struggled to keep players on the part.
If you want a hard rebuild, then there needs to be a challenge to the board to change the direction of the club. There was an opportunity this year, but didn’t get very far. Next year will provide another opportunity for it.
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I reckon it’s a load crap.
Do other sports around the world go through a process to hire a coach?
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Nah they just draw names out of a hat.
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It’s a sham for clubs so they look like they are doing the right thing imo.
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The appointment of Brad involved no favouritism towards candidates, a balanced interview panel including non-Essendon people and they went with the option they thought was the best fit. If that’s not a thorough interview process, I don’t know what is. That being said, earlier appointments and attempts (cough, Clarkson, cough) may warrant curiosity.
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I’m happy to give Brad 2027 as well. But I wouldn’t consider extending him until most of the 2027 season plays out. September 2027 we make the call on Brad.
Extending him early in 2027 to alleviate media pressure would be moronic, there will be zero clubs trying to poach Brad to be senior coach in 2028.
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apart from the fact that people on the board were calling him over and over and over to “apply” for the job cause they thought he was a great candidate
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I’m still waiting to be called up to coach the England Cricket Team.
CHRISBALL - it’s like Bazball but with more arrogance.
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I guess your team doesn’t play with a pink ball. Probably a red and black ball that gets smashed all over the park! 
Well said.
Imagine having to repeatedly call and beg a guy to apply, and then act like it was a fair process to the other candidates.
A panel that included old irrelevant man yelling at the clouds Robert Walls, former player of one of our apparent arch nemesis going be this forum lately Jordan Lewis of who no one should ever be trusted, Thorburn who not long after was appointed Club CEO, current Board Member and Pies Supporter Hisgrove, and netball player McKinnis. And the panel was headed up by the then GM of footy Mahoney.
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Would love to know the source for this comment
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Which means that this is precisely what Essendon will do.
Bit weird linking Damien “burned most of Richmond’s draft capital to bring in 2 senior GWS players to try to stay relevant then walked away claiming burn out 3/4 of the way through the season so he could get some rest before picking up his new toys at GCS to avoid the hard yards of a rebuild” Hardwick to having the balls to rebuild…
hardwick is one of the biggest head wobblers of all time, ■■■■ him
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Lol will be gone end of next year
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With that selection panel, what could possibly go wrong right?
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So will next season be Scotts last chance to make the finals now that there will be 10 places next season there will be an extra bigger chance to qualify and win a final.
Scott needs to give the team a kick up the arse and say there are no excuses for failure no injuries no worn out bodies no this that or the other because there shouldn’t be.
So he and the squad should make that pre season work count because there is a good enough squad that can challenge win a final and can lay a springboard for future premiership success.
If 2026 ends like 2025 then serious questions need to be asked about him and then he would still be taking us down the same path as North. if the board stick with him then they are stuck on a mediocre mindset and not one that is looking towards grand final success.
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I think your first paragraph illustrates the irrational and illogical world we supporters live in regarding Brad Scott’s tenure. That you’re suggesting if EFC don’t play finals in 2026 should possibly be the end of his tenure is imo silly.
Where do you have Essendon finishing in 2026? I have them bottom 4. That’s based on being the second youngest list and second least experienced. Richmond is older and more experienced going into 2026 for context.
Essendon isn’t playing finals in 2026. It’s not realistic based on list demographic if nothing else. On top of that, we have had a bulk of players miss most of 2025 and have a gap to make up.
Brad Scott may be limited and might not win a final at Essendon but any talk of 2026 as being finals or bust for Scott is illogical thinking without rational thought. Then again, that’s how footy goes I suppose.
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