Essendon coach 2023: Bombers to formally approach AFL football boss Brad Scott
Essendon are said to be preparing a pitch for Brad Scott but word is there’s one appointment they have to lock in before the ex-North coach considers a move.
AFL football boss Brad Scott is expected to formally declare his intentions regarding the Essendon coaching vacancy this week.
The Bombers are keen to discuss the position with Scott following the official culmination of the AFL season on Saturday.
Scott, who led North Melbourne to two preliminary finals in his 10-year reign as senior coach, is yet to rule himself out of the race.
The Bombers are expected to clarify with Scott whether he is interested in formally entering the frame to replace Ben Rutten in the hot seat for 2023.
That process would involve a lengthy conversation with club powerbrokers about his views on game plan and player personnel.
Melbourne assistant Adem Yze is the frontrunner for the job and could help bring former Port Adelaide senior coach Mark Williams with him.
Yze was a key coaching cog in Melbourne’s premiership in 2021 but Scott would appeal for his experience and record at North coach with limited top-end draft picks.
If Scott is not keen to pursue the role, an announcement could be made on the position this week as the Bombers prepare to head into the exchange period.
The Bombers will take pick four into the draft and want to add to their top-end young talent and also remain on the hunt for a new chief executive to replace Xavier Campbell.
Scott led the Roos to 102 wins and 101 losses and has said he has since enjoyed taking over from Steve Hocking as footy operations boss.
He watched his twin brother Chris Scott win his second premiership at the MCG on Saturday and will likely be quizzed about his intentions from Essendon football boss Josh Mahoney this week.
Brad Scott would want more information on the likely CEO appointment before he makes up his mind on the Essendon job.
Scott said at a North Melbourne function in the lead up to the preliminary finals he would always be drawn to a return to coaching due to his love for the role after parting ways with the Roos in 2019.
“The only truthful answer that I can give you is there is always going to be a coaching itch … always. I don’t think that will ever go,” Scott said.
“The choice is do you choose to scratch that itch? That is not something I have contemplated to this point.”
Scott said he had relished the senior position at the AFL this season.
“I love the role at the AFL. I see the really important role,” Scott said.
“The game has given me so much, this role is partly giving a bit back to the game.”
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