AFL legend blasts Essendon’s hypocrisy as culture war rages on

Essendon-bashing is everyone’s favourite pastime these days and another legend has joined the chorus giving the Dons a stinging reality check.

Where to from here for Essendon?

Warren Tredrea is the latest AFL legend to slap down Essendon as the club prepares for an exodus of stars after a horror season.

The Bombers finished 13th and face a grim future as key forward Joe Daniher and rebounding defender Adam Saad told them of their desire to leave. Goalsneak Orazio Fantasia is also expected to return home to South Australia, while veterans Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker are reportedly unhappy at how the Dons treated the retiring Tom Bellchambers.

Watch the 2020 Toyota AFL Finals Series on Kayo with every game before the Grand Final Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Essendon General Manager of Football Dan Richardson shut down concerns about the club’s culture and said coach Ben Rutten, who will officially take over from John Worsfold in 2021, is setting high standards where he expects individuals to commit to a team-first ethos.

“We need players who are fully committed to his vision and where we are taking the club,” Richardson told 3AW’s Sportsday this week.

“If that means we unsettle, or ruffle a few feathers along the way because we’re asking players to put the team first, then so be it.

“I don’t think we should apologise to anyone, even our fans, if that’s what we are doing.”

It has since emerged Essendon insiders have been leaking negative stories about Saad and his attitude, despite desperately trying to keep the 26-year-old on its books by tabling a monster five-year offer, only for him to declare he wants out to join Carlton.

Essendon also crushed Daniher’s wish of moving to Sydney at the end of 2019 but is resigned to the left-footer walking out as a restricted free agent to play for Brisbane next season.

Bombers icon Tim Watson and Garry Lyon both questioned how Essendon could try so hard to keep players, then leak negative stories or say it’s happy for stars to leave if they don’t share the same vision as the new head coach.

Port Adelaide champion Tredrea is the latest to call out the Bombers’ hypocrisy, accusing them of having “sour grapes” as players head for the exit.

RELATED: Dons’ dark days about to get worse

RELATED: Real risk AFL star will reject $3.5m carrot

Adam Saad believes he’s a better chance of tasting success at Carlton.

Daniher just wants to get on the park.

“We do see that from a lot of clubs when they lose players,” Tredrea told Nine’s Talk of the Town.

“They offered five years (at) $650,000 a year for a halfback flanker (Saad) who finished third in the best in the fairest and had a really good year.

“But then they say when he’s going out the door, ‘He can’t take feedback and he’s a fragile personality and we need people who are going to be tough’.

“You don’t do that.

“Effectively they (the Bombers) must see that as not that big of an issue if they’re going to offer him five years and $650,000.”

Tredrea also criticised Essendon for failing to negotiate a deal with Daniher and the Swans last year when his trade value was higher than it is now. The injury-plagued star had another season spent mostly sitting on the sidelines and has now managed just 15 appearances in three years.

The Swans offered Essendon pick No. 9 at last year’s draft and another first-rounder (No. 3) this year but the Dons played hardball and may be regretting it now.

“The big issue for the Bombers is they’ve got to sort themselves out,” Tredrea said.

“They’ve got a new coach coming in. Clearly the players are disgruntled and they’re trying to ship players in and move them on.

“Daniher, if only 12 months ago they took those two first-round picks.

“Because the way those picks were offered way back then from Sydney — what a pick would that would have been this year — a gold mine!”

Tredrea added Daniher and Saad wanting to leave for more opportunities or a better chance at having success was a sign Essendon’s culture needs fixing.

“When no one’s happy, everyone’s disgruntled, won’t take feedback, people are blaming one another — which seems like it’s Essendon right now — it’s a pretty bad place to be,” Tredrea said.