Bombers’ culture shredded in brutal review

The key findings from the review, launched mid-season as the Bombers battled on field, also declared the club “lacked unity” off the field and boosts to the coaching department would be made to establish greater alignment under new coach Brad Scott for 2023.With more than 130 people surveyed, the club also established it needed to restore its strong Indigenous ties and will appoint a First Nations board member in a “long overdue” move as part of a wider board refresh. The review identified the need to create a more unified environment to maximise the players’ potential and “set the right culture”.“The review is clear in its recommendation of the need for stronger alignment of the core functions within the football department,” Essendon president David Barham said via a club statement on Monday. “The areas of coaching, physical performance, player development plus list management and recruitment have lacked unity and a shared vision that is embraced by all.“Creating a strong and unified football department is a key priority for general manager of football Josh Mahoney and Brad Scott during this off-season period.” After 18 years without a finals win, and having sacked coach Brett Rutten at the end of the season, Barham said the club needed the coaches, fitness staff and recruiting department to work hand-in-hand as part of a new era.Changes to the structure of the football department are in the works and new coach Scott has already ordered a big summer to address fitness concerns. “The review also recommended the need to drive higher training standards and to build a better fitness base for our players leading into the season,” Barham said.“We have accepted this, and our new AFL head coach Brad Scott has committed to a demanding pre-season designed at improving the consistency of our training standards across the entire playing group.” The club engaged Ernst and Young to drive the review along with ex-Hawthorn and Melbourne great Jordan Lewis and former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney.Having long been a banner club for signing and integrating First Nations people, Barham said Essendon had dropped the ball in that area. With fan favourite Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti potentially returning from retirement, Barham said the club needed to raise the bar again in that area. “We need to do more to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and expertise at all levels of the club, including at board level,” Barham said.“We will soon be appointing the club’s inaugural First Nations board director. This is an important step for Essendon and, quite frankly, long overdue.“This director will lead the board’s nationally focused Indigenous subcommittee to provide leadership on cultural safety and oversee our new Indigenous development program.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au