AFL 2026: Brad Scott Lashes Out at Essendon Bombers After Disappointing Loss to Fremantle Dockers

The Essendon Bombers suffered a crushing 43-point defeat at the hands of the Fremantle Dockers in Round 10 of the AFL 2026 season. Despite the disappointing loss, coach Brad Scott remained defiant, particularly when questioned about the historically low crowd that attended the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

Scott put the spotlight on his side’s poor contest, particularly from his older brigade, following the loss. The Bombers were blown out of the park early, conceding three goals in the first three minutes, before more pressure led them to a 25-point deficit at quarter time and 52 points at half time.

The first half was dominated by the Dockers, with the visitors going into halftime plus-18 in contested possessions and plus-10 in inside 50s. The Bombers struggled to keep up, managing only 1.8 compared to Freo’s 10.6 after two quarters. Scott credited youngster Sullivan Robey for leading the way in his side’s contest and used his strong efforts to shine a light on his senior players.

Scott’s comments highlighted the need for his senior players to step up and lead the team. “You shouldn’t be, as a team, looking to your 18-year-olds to lead you out of that,” he said. The coach’s statement reflects the team’s current struggles and the need for experienced players to take charge. The Bombers will need to regroup and reassess their strategy if they hope to turn their season around.

The AFL 2026 season has been marked by intense competition, with several teams vying for top spots. The Essendon Bombers, however, have struggled to find their footing, and the loss to the Fremantle Dockers has raised concerns about their chances of making the finals. As the season progresses, the Bombers will need to demonstrate significant improvement if they hope to remain in contention.

The MCG, one of the most iconic stadiums in the AFL, was largely empty on Sunday afternoon, with a historically low crowd in attendance. When questioned about the low turnout, Scott provided a blunt response, stating that it was not his concern. The coach’s comments reflect the team’s focus on their on-field performance, rather than external factors such as crowd attendance.

As the Essendon Bombers look to bounce back from their disappointing loss, they will need to address their poor contest and lack of leadership from their senior players. With several tough matches ahead, the team will be tested, and their ability to respond to adversity will be crucial in determining their season’s outcome. The AFL 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, and the Bombers will need to be at the top of their game if they hope to succeed.