Former Essendon coach Brad Scott has revealed he was blindsided by the club's decision to sack him, despite being fully aware of the mounting pressure surrounding his position.
Speaking on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters, Scott expressed his disappointment over persistent leaks from within the club, which he said placed him in an "untenable position" to address his players after the decision was made.
Scott Shocked by Sacking
"It was surprising (to be sacked), but in a way, I've been in this industry for a long time, it's not surprising because pressure does strange things," Scott said.
When asked how the media seemed to know more about his fate than he did, Scott replied: "Ah ... well, you guys are very good at your job."
Disappointment Over Leaks
AFL expert Kane Cornes questioned whether Scott was disappointed with the leaks from the club. Scott responded: "Oh, well ... the disappointment ... I sort of unfortunately have come to expect it a little bit. It's been a challenge at Essendon over the journey."
He detailed the events leading up to the sacking: "I spoke to (club president Andrew Welsh) last night. We were going to catch up at 7.30 this morning. We were going to hold it tight. There are only eight people who knew, plus the media manager. And then (the plan was) I'd get the opportunity to speak to the players ... but at 7.30 in the morning the players already knew, because everyone knew."
Scott added: "So it meant it made it untenable to go to the club and speak to the players, so that'll have to come a bit later."
Zach Merrett Trade Revelation
Scott also revealed his belief that Essendon should have allowed Zach Merrett to leave when the former captain requested a trade to Hawthorn last year.
More to come on this developing story.
