After watching Essendon’s game on the weekend against the Hawthorn Hawks, it looks to me as though there is a serious problem at the Bombers. And it is not just the WADA investigation causing the problem.
For me it can be cut in to percentage parts on what the problems could be at Essendon.
WADA: 25 per cent
As I stated this would be part of the problem but not the main part. Last year they had the ASADA investigation over their head for the season but still made the finals.
Yes, this would be causing some stress to the players involved but it would not be the only factor for the team’s poor form.
Injuries: 10 per cent
So far this year Essendon have not been able to get the best 22 on the field for the whole of the season. If they are able to get their best 22 on the field I think this could help them against lower teams but not against anyone that is above them on the ladder.
Change of coach: 10 per cent
Part of it could have been the change of coach from Mark Thompson to James Hird at the start of the year. Both have different styles of coaching and game plans so this could have been a problem with players still in the mindset of trying to implement Thompson’s plan rather than Hird’s plan.
The board: 10 per cent
For me it has to be how the board has dealt with the problems over the past three years. They never seem to give a consistent answer to anything.
Supporters: 5 per cent
We as supporters are always very critical of anything to do with our beloved sport, some for Essendon and others against. But the group against seems to be getting bigger. The vitriol is not aimed at the players, it is more aimed at James Hird and the board and I think that is fair. But this would still be affecting the players.
James Hird: 40 per cent
I think Mr Hird is the main part of the problem, and it’s because he never did time as an assistant coach. He has never been able to see the point of view of someone else at a senior coach level, which is a handy experience.
Yes, he has had the likes of Thomson and Mark Harvey around him providing advice but they could never override him if he had a bad idea, as he has final say.
Look at some of the other senior coaches out there. They have done time under a good senior coach and have not just been given the job because they are the club’s favourite son.
All in all there are problems at Essendon and there are no signs of improvement at this point in time.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
The Channel 9 commentator believes if anyone got a free kick it should have been Essendon for in the back not to Adelaide for…
Controversy has erupted following Essendon's thrilling three-point victory over Adelaide, with an umpire under fire for his decision to not award the Crows a…
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has said his side had their chances but wasn't going to be dragged into commenting on the final holding the…
Brad Scott told journalists while the focus will be on the final play, he could cite a couple of other decisions that didn't go…
It was a horror last quarter at the Adelaide Oval for Josh Rachele, who also missed a chance to win the game for the…
