FridayOL

Former Richmond champion Jack Riewoldt has delivered a scathing assessment of Essendon's performance against the Western Bulldogs, particularly highlighting the players' lacklustre response to a fiery address from coach Brad Scott. Riewoldt, speaking on Footy Classified, expressed his astonishment at the Bombers' apparent inability to turn the coach's criticism into improved on-field action.

The Western Bulldogs delivered a dominant performance, dismantling Essendon with a decisive victory. The loss was marred by a significant drop in Essendon's intensity and composure, a point Riewoldt seized upon during his analysis. He suggested the team appeared “panicked” throughout the match, struggling to maintain their focus and execute basic skills.

“What caught my eye was the response to Brad Scott’s spray,” Riewoldt stated. “You’d expect to see a response, a lift in intensity, a bit of fight back. But they just looked panicked. I’m stunned by the lack of response.”

Riewoldt's comments echo the growing concerns surrounding Essendon's consistency and ability to perform under pressure. The Bombers have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but their performances have been plagued by periods of poor execution and mental fragility. The loss to the Bulldogs, a game many expected them to be competitive in, has further intensified scrutiny on the club.

He didn't stop there, adding a further layer of criticism. “I can’t accept that level of response,” Riewoldt declared. “You’re a professional athlete, you’re getting told what you need to do, and you don’t respond? That’s a huge issue.”

The question now is whether Brad Scott can address this lack of response and instil a greater sense of resilience and accountability within the Essendon playing group. With a challenging fixture ahead, the Bombers need to find a way to turn their performances around and demonstrate the mental fortitude required to compete with the AFL's best. The players' ability to heed the coach's instructions and translate them into tangible improvements on the field will be crucial to their season's trajectory.

This isn’t just about one game; it’s about a pattern of inconsistency that has plagued Essendon. Riewoldt’s strong words serve as a wake-up call for the club, highlighting the need for a significant shift in mindset and a renewed commitment to performing at their best, regardless of the circumstances.