Swing the axe? Essendon urged to make strong selection statement

Will Essendon coach Brad Scott make a massive statement at the selection table this week?

That was the question discussed on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters as the Bombers, who have copped two floggings already this season, prepare to face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

Reporter Mitch Cleary indicated that the Dons were weighing up whether they drop a recognised name for the Roos clash, especially after Scott’s strong use of language in his post-match press conference following last weekend’s dismal loss to Port Adelaide.

“There’s been debate internally all week as to whether they drop a big name and do make a statement,” Cleary said.

“It’s hard to remember a team going into Round 3 under more pressure. So much of the narrative has been led and started by themselves.”

Some of the names being bandied around include midfielder Darcy Parish, key forward Peter Wright, highly-paid key defender Ben McKay, promising youngster Archie Perkins and recruit Brayden Fiorini.

St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt believes the terms Scott used suggests to him that changes must be made.

“Brad Scott flagged it with his press conference,” he said on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters.

“When you start using the word “selfish” and “lack of effort”, you’ve got nowhere else to go as a coach from an integrity of selection point of view but to actually live that.

“Because otherwise the players - they don’t become idle threats - but words become hollow.”

The situation prompted Riewoldt to reflect on the ripple sent through the Saints by Ross Lyon under similar circumstances.

“We had a moment in 2008 where Ross Lyon used similar language but then he actually followed through and it was highly publicised,” Roo recalled.

“(Nick) Dal Santo and (Stephen) Milne at the time were both All-Australian players and were both dropped.

“That sent a ripple. It did (work) in that situation. Dal Santo was All-Australian the next year and from there we went on a run.

“It can work but it only works if you make the statement and the statement is strong. And it only works if you’ve got players around you to actually go out and back it up.

“This is the issue for Essendon, do they have the cattle for Brad Scott to be able to put it on?

“Selfish and lack of effort, that’s about as strong as it gets from a coach.”

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore says the leadership group will undoubtedly be involved in such talks ahead of selection this week.

“You’re definitely part of the conversation. You can’t be having a week like this and not be part of those conversations with the coach,” Moore added.

“You’re helping to guide the coach around what the temperature of the group is and where the group is at. After a couple of disappointing performances, at that point it’s all about action.”

Furthermore, former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley says Scott must make a bold statement at selection after being so strong with his words last Sunday.

“I’ll be interested to see the reaction to the effort ones that he talked around,” he said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“What’s he going to do at match committee and selection this week?”

Gerard Healy asked: “Are you bringing the axe out?”

Hinkley replied: “You can’t say those things and not be seen to swing something and make some sort of stance.”

All eyes on Essendon’s ins and outs after 6pm tonight.