The Flight Plan

THIS is the Brad Scott we all want to see as Essendon people. Show that coaching this club truly matters to you, and you're not going to let the snipers take their shots with no repercussions

There's no shortage negative opinions on Essendon's recruiting lately, but Dwayne Russell takes the cake. Here's a challenge, show us one reputable source that's lamenting recruitment under Matt Rosa. It's an universal thought that Kako will be a very good small forward, then couple him the later round picks of Clarke and Johnson, and suddenly that haul looks decent. All three have shown an ability that belies their drafting position. Our first round picks in 2025 have all shown elite-level traits that should translate to the AFL. Robey is a powerhouse with a huge tank and unrelenting work ethic, Farrow reads the ball brilliantly and has footskills to match, while Sharp on debut his unrelenting work rate that is complemented by his ability to impact up forward. Not to mention Kondogiannis at 36 and Hussein El Achkar at 53, both of whom were so impressive over their first preseason that they debuted Round 1. Dodoro ended up being a disaster, but it's unfair to attach Rosa's name to his botched drafting.

It doesn't matter if we're offering extra cash and a longer contract to Zach Merrett, the fact he's signed until 2027 should be the end of the discussion. But it's not. If Essendon induces the wantaway Merrett to stay with a longer & more lucrative contract, some serious questions need answering: -We already re-signed him (while under contract) following St Kilda's brazen 2024 attempt. We increased his already healthy salary after the club deemed he'd been 'underpaid" considering his output on field. Will this be revisited off-season until he's retired? -To be motivated by money is fine, but isn't that an indictment on himself and the footy club for making him captain? -What precedent does that establish with our young and inexperienced list? That you can sign a deal, but if you decide you want more in future years, all you have to do make enough noise and threatening to leave until the club caves in? These factors all need go be resolved before any contracts are set to be signed