Brad Scott, Senior Coach of the Bombers
Essendon coach Brad Scott believes that the decision to introduce extra time in a match should ultimately be left to the fans. This sentiment arose after the Essendon Bombers faced Collingwood in a recent match, resulting in a draw with a score of 85-85. Scott emphasized the importance of fan input in determining whether additional time should be implemented to determine a winner. He stated that while he could present arguments both for and against the idea, the final decision should be guided by the preferences of the fans.
Reflecting on the match, Scott acknowledged the desire for a conclusive outcome among supporters. He highlighted the significance of avoiding drawn matches, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like grand finals, for the overall integrity of the sport. Despite lacking a strong personal stance on the matter, Scott expressed his willingness to defer to fan opinions. He suggested that polling the fans would provide valuable insights into their preferences regarding extra time in home-and-away matches.
The Bombers initially dominated the game, securing an early lead of 37-18 in the first quarter. However, Collingwood mounted a strong comeback in the second quarter, narrowing the margin to 47-48. The teams remained evenly matched throughout the third quarter, with the score at 65-66 in Collingwood’s favor. Ultimately, the game ended in a tie at 85-85 after regulation time, marking the first draw of the season for both teams.
Essendon Bombers Captain Zach Merrett Reflects on Drawn Match and Looks Ahead to Next Fixture.
Essendon Bombers captain Zach Merrett expressed his belief that with an additional 5-10 minutes of play, his team could have secured a victory in their recent match. Reflecting on the game, Merrett shared his competitive spirit and desire for a decisive outcome, stating that he would have welcomed the opportunity to continue playing to achieve a result. However, he acknowledged the unique sensation of leaving the field without celebrating a team song, a sentiment shared by both sides in the drawn match.
Looking ahead, Essendon is scheduled to face West Coast on Saturday, May 4, with the match set to kick off at 20:10 AEST. Meanwhile, Collingwood’s next fixture will see them take on Carlton in Round 8, scheduled for Friday, May 3. Both teams will be aiming to secure victories as they continue their campaigns in the AFL season.
