Mark Robinson: Brad Scott, Zach Merrett and Andy McGrath hunt leadership inspiration in America

Essendon’s search for finals success goes on, and to find some inspiration, three of their most important people will head to the US for some “leadership growth,” reports Mark Robinson.

Essendon’s prolonged search for finals success will see coach Brad Scott, captain Zach Merrett and vice-captain Andy McGrath seek inspiration in the United States.

Described as an exploration in leadership, Merrett and McGrath are next week planning to join Scott, who is already stateside on a family holiday.

The trio is scheduled to visit the Los Angeles Rams and renowned author and leadership and team-building consultant Sam Walker.

Walker is the author of The Captain Class: The Hidden Forces That Creates The World’s Greatest Teams, which has been universally acclaimed.

Brad Scott will be on the US trip with the two stars. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Bombers chief executive Craig Vozzo said the trip was designed for “leadership growth” and confirmed Merrett, who is an expectant father, and McGrath would accompany the coach.

“We are looking to grow our leadership component and all three of the guys are really critical to that,” Vozzo said. “They’re looking at all ideas, how different clubs do it, trying to establish what best practice looks like, and the things we could implement and improve in our program.

“We seek to improve right across the board and this is one (area) we think needs to be constantly looked at and improved, and how we do things back here in terms of the leadership group, the method, and education of our player is really important.’’

Under Scott, the Bombers have won 11 matches and missed finals in his two seasons as coach.

Vozzo confirmed there would be a shuffle of roles for the line coaches and that an internal appointment would be made to fill the VFL coaching role left vacant after Blake Caracella’s departure to Richmond.

Vozzo also echoed the urgent messaging delivered by Bombers’ president David Barham at the club’s best and fairest function.

Essendon CEO Craog Vozzo. Picture: Michael Klein.

In what was a warning shot to the players, Barham said: “We are impatient for success, and the pain of missing out this year drives us all to search deeper and look further for what more we need to do to get there. There is no room for excuses. If you don’t prepare properly, don’t give your all on match day, conduct yourself as a professional athlete on and off the field, I don’t think you’ll be here long.’’

Vozzo said: “We have spoken to our fans and our thirst for improvement is as strong as theirs.”

“We have to look at doing it in a practical sense, whether that be development, leadership, connection, whatever component it is, and that’s part of our job, making sure we are maximising and using every effort we can to get better.’’

Barham is expected to be re-elected president at Essendon’s annual general meeting in December.

Originally published as Mark Robinson: Brad Scott, Zach Merrett and Andy McGrath hunt leadership inspiration in America