Essendon Legend Matthew Lloyd Echoes Coach's Demoralisation Claims
Essendon icon Matthew Lloyd has publicly agreed with coach Brad Scott's assessment that the Bombers are a demoralised playing group, asserting they are not performing at AFL standard. Scott's winless side currently sits last on the ladder with a dismal percentage of 55, following a crushing 63-point defeat to Port Adelaide on Sunday.
Coach Scott Concedes Defensive Deficiencies
In the aftermath of the loss, Scott admitted his error-riddled team lacked the desire to defend effectively. "I think it's part of it, yeah. Because it would be ridiculous of me to say that's not the case," he told reporters post-match. "We're not hard-nosed enough in defence ... that's not just the defenders, that's all over the ground. I'm a coach who very rarely questions a lack of effort and a lack of fight. You know these guys well enough that they'll always give that. But there's no doubt we're demoralised and that can appear to look like a lack of effort and a lack of fight."
Lloyd Criticises Lack of Passion and Confidence
Lloyd, an Essendon goal-kicking great, believes the Bombers are playing without passion or confidence. "The scary part is it's Round 2, so it's not as if we're at round 16-17 and your season's over," Lloyd told afl.com.au. "They've played a couple of games and they've played with no passion. There's a lack of confidence, lack of belief, it seems like a lack of understanding. I don't see the intent to push back (in defence). It's a hard watch because it's not AFL level, it's not AFL standard, and the coach pretty much conceded we've got players that aren't working hard enough."
Lloyd expressed weariness with criticising Essendon, who have yet to play finals since Scott took over in 2023. "I'm tired of doing it to them because I just want them to be good and want them to be great," Lloyd said. "You want to turn up on Monday and say, 'How good were they?' Because I loved (Nate) Caddy, I loved (Isaac) Kako, I thought (Archie) Roberts was sensational. But they're three kids, babies. They got nothing from the top end and I just see a side that's just so low on confidence and they don't know how to get out of their own way at the moment."
Upcoming Clash with North Melbourne
Essendon have been billed as underdogs for their upcoming clash with fellow battlers North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. The Kangaroos beat Port Adelaide in Round 1 but threw away a five-goal lead in their 17-point defeat to 2025 wooden spooners West Coast on Sunday.
Lloyd felt Alastair Clarkson's men got carried away after their Round 1 victory. "A bitterly disappointing loss ... they celebrate (wins) too much and they get caught up in themselves and then they can't back up," Lloyd said. "When's the last time they won two in a row? Was it in Clarko's first two games (in 2023)? It says a lot about this group. They are highly talented (but) they underperform."
The winless Bombers face increased pressure if they fail to beat North Melbourne in round three, with both teams struggling to find form early in the AFL season.
