Essendon coach Brad Scott says his side is under “no illusions” about the work required to close the gap to the AFL’s top teams after a sobering loss to Hawthorn.
His side were comfortably defeated by 62 points on Friday night at the MCG, with the Hawks bouncing back after a disappointing Opening Round to register 40 shots on goal — more than double that of the Dons.
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Scott conceded the Bombers were beaten in areas they had specifically flagged pre-game, particularly their inability to halt the Hawks’ transition and intercept game.
“I’m reluctant to say that we prepared really well, because the outcome clearly wasn’t what we were after,” Scott began.
“We understand how much work we’ve got to do to bridge the gap between us and the top four teams; of which Hawthorn were one. But, we really got beaten by what we were concerned about coming into the game.
“To have the inside 50 differential was significant, but then they’re (also) able to intercept the ball much more than we did. Clearly, they gave us a lot more opportunities to do that.”
The Bombers conceded a whopping 157 marks, the equal-second-most in Hawthorn history — only trailing their absurd total of 180 against the Western Bulldogs in Round 10, 2011.
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And while Scott felt Essendon’s effort around the contest and ground ball was reasonable, he admitted their defensive structure behind the ball fell well short.
“Even though our effort at contest and ground ball was okay … our inability to stop them transitioning out of our front half was just nowhere near the level,” Scott said.
“I don’t think anyone’s under any illusions we’ve got a big gap to bridge. But, we got a good lesson tonight.
“It was our inability to defend against a very good kicking side and a very good running side. GWS were able to defend it last week … but the reality is, it’s a bit off. It’s not as if they did anything that surprised us. It was just our inability to stop it.”
The sobering start to 2026 comes after the Bombers finished last year with 13 straight losses, amid a major injury crisis that at one point saw them almost unable to field 23 AFL-listed players.
Nic Martin won’t play at all in 2026, while Jordan Ridley, Isaac Kako, Will Setterfield and Nick Bryan were all among the names absent in Round 1 through injury. It’s left the Dons with little opportunity to build on-field chemistry with such a high turnover rate week-to-week.
“One of the hard things to generate is synergy over a period of time, and connection with teammates. You see Jack Gunston moving, his teammates know what to do,” Scott said.
“Someone told me we’ve had 20 debutants in the time that/since when Hawthorn’s had one … unfortunately, it takes time. We worked extremely hard in the pre-season on that.”
In a small positive from the clash, former captain Zach Merrett was valiant in defeat, collecting 32 disposals and a goal after fighting hard all night.
The 252-gamer was subject to small booing around the ground in the first quarter, after failing in his bid to move across to Hawthorn last October during the trade period.
“He probably played exactly as everyone expected. He was competitive, he fought. He showed class at times — he was very good,” Scott said.
“I think it impacts everyone (his off-season). Anyone going through a hard time can show resilience … but does it affect you? Yeah, it does affect you, but it doesn’t necessarily affect your performance.
“Connor Macdonald, Dylan Moore, did it affect their preparation coming into the game? I would’ve thought it did, but it doesn’t necessarily impact your performance. That’s what professional athletes do … and it takes a certain type of character and resilience.
“No one should’ve been surprised about the way Zach played tonight, because we know him so well and that’s what he’s made of.”
Essendon’s first crack at redemption comes next Sunday afternoon at Adelaide oval against Port Adelaide.
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