Essendon unveils Brad Scott as its new senior coach

Brad Scott admitted some jealousy over his twin’s recent coaching success but says it was his love of coaching players that ultimately led him to the Bombers role.

Brad Scott is the new coach at Essendon. Picture: Getty Images

New Essendon coach Brad Scott says his time at the AFL taught him “a lot” but his twin brother’s recent premiership success as a coach left him a “little bit jealous” and helped convince him to return to the job he loves.

Having targeted an experienced coach to replace Ben Rutten, the Bombers’ board officially appointed Scott as coach on Thursday night.

President David Barham described the appointment as “one of the most exciting days in this football club’s history”, adding that it was a “real chance for renewal” after a difficult period.

Brad Scott and David Barham front the media. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Scott, who coached North Melbourne from 2010 to 2019, spent the past three years in administration roles with the AFL, most recently serving as Head of Football.

However, the 46-year-old said recently that he had a “coaching itch” that would never go away.

“I learned (at the AFL) that there’s a massive football ecosystem out there and I think I come back to the role with a much more rounded approach,” Scott said on Friday.

“Ultimately, I love coaching players. I love improving people. Talent was part of my portfolio with the AFL and every time I went out and looked at the talent pathway, I couldn’t get away from the fact that that’s really what I love doing.

“I love developing boys as they’re on the talent pathway through their adult life and that was the most satisfying thing about coaching previously. Ultimately, when it when it came down to the decision, that’s what I love doing.”

Scott said watching his brother Chris lift the premiership cup as coach of Geelong at the MCG last Saturday had played a part in his decision to commit to a new four-year deal with Essendon.

“They (Geelong), in my opinion, got what they deserved on Grand Final day,” he said.

“But it wouldn’t matter whether it was Chris involved or whether it was someone else, you always look at the premier with admiration for what they’ve done, but you’re always a little bit jealous at the same time.”

Scott said he would immediately get to work on building a “first-class program” at the Bombers and had already met with and spoken to many senior players who are currently on leave.

“I think there’s massive opportunity here but that’s all it is,” Scott said.

“There’s only probably one factor when it comes to our list and that is it is young and inexperienced. In terms of capability, I think there’s reason for optimism.

“Everyone wants to same thing…members, supporters. They want to see the football team perform and I want to create a program that enables them to do that.”

With the AFL Trade Period set to open next Monday, Scott said he would play a “supporting” role to the list management team but he did see an opportunity to add some experience to Essendon’s list.

Brad Scott will immediately get to work building a ‘first class program’ at the Bombers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

“That work has been going on in the background for a long time,” he said.

“So as I always do, I’ll play a supporting role but not a lead one.

“I come in with a really open mind. I can do all the work and analysis on the on the players and the list as you like but until you’re actually in the building, and you’re on the track and you’re getting to know players and working with them that you can truly form an informed opinion.”

Barham said he was confident that supports would “get behind Brad” but would not be drawn on what would be considered a pass mark for next year.

Essendon finished 15th on the ladder this season with only seven wins.

“We’re at the stage of actually putting their heads down and working hard,” Barham said.

“That’s what we’re doing with and that’s across the whole club, the board down. All we’re focusing on the moment is hard work.

“This is about resetting the culture and this football club for long term so it’s not so much about next year. We are resetting this club for sustained long-term success.”

Bombers unveil new coach Brad Scott

Essendon has officially unveiled Brad Scott as its new coach this morning in what has been hailed an “important step forward” for the struggling club.

Essendon confirmed the appointment in a letter to members on Thursday night, hours after the Herald Sun exclusively revealed that Scott was set to be announced as the club’s new coach.

Scott had served as the AFL’s Head of Football this year but has been given the league’s blessing to return to the coaching ranks.

He said he will be looking to drive the football program and is excited to join the club.

“It’s an exciting time for this club. I’m incredibly humbled… that the board and club feel like I’m the best person to lead this team into the future,” Scott said.

Brad Scott is Essendon’s new coach. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“My role is to drive the football program. Everyone wants the same thing, members and supporters, they want to see the team perform. I want to create a program to enable that.”

AFL executive general manager of football operations Andrew Dillon said he wished Scott all the best with the move.

“Brad has been an integral member of the AFL team over the last three years, firstly playing a key role in leading AFL Victoria, and this season leading the football operations for both the AFL and AFLW competitions,” Dillon said.

“After spending a lot of time with Brad, it has been clear a passion for coaching still burns brightly for him. We are looking forward to seeing him back in the coaches’ box on a match day and Brad will no doubt continue to contribute ideas and insights in his new role.”

Scott, 46, won two premierships as a player with Brisbane before filling coaching roles with Collingwood and Richmond.

He was appointed senior coach of North Melbourne ahead of the 2010 season and was at the helm of the Kangaroos for nine-and-a-half seasons before parting ways with the club in the middle of 2019.

North Melbourne reached preliminary finals in 2014 and 2015 under Scott’s watch.

His twin brother Chris led Geelong to the premiership this year.

Essendon sacked former coach Ben Rutten in August following another underwhelming season which saw the club finish 15th on the ladder with only seven wins.

The Bombers have not won a final since 2004.

Originally published as Essendon unveils Brad Scott as its new senior coach