Essendon coach Brad Scott under pressure as Bombers sit last on AFL ladder

Essendon (the Bombers) remain at the bottom of the Australian Football League ladder after a 78‑815‑spectator loss to 17th‑placed Richmond at the MCG. The defeat highlighted a mounting injury crisis, with 18 players unavailable, including captain Andrew McGrath (broken jaw), Archie May (kidney precaution), Sam Durham (concussion), Matt Guelfi (hamstring) and Jye Caldwell (ankle syndesmosis).

Premiership coach Adam Simpson questioned the Bombers' lack of a clear playing identity, noting the contrast with Richmond’s more defined style. Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley added that Brad Scott must find ways to motivate a group whose season appears “effectively finished,” as the club has won only one of its last 24 games. Essendon’s next five fixtures are against West Coast, Carlton, Melbourne, North Melbourne and St Kilda. Richmond also dealt with injuries, losing Tom Lynch (voice‑box injury) and Jonty Faull (concussion).