Essendon coach Brad Scott has opened up on his tough conversation with star ruckman Sam Draper, referring to his comments about the Western Bulldogs as "disrespectful".
During the week, Draper made headlines for his words about the Bulldogs and whether players would stay at Whitten Oval if coach Luke Beveridge remained in charge.
With the ruckman out from Saturday's win over West Coast in Perth, Scott was quizzed post-game about Draper's remarks, admitting that it was the wrong thing to do.
An unusual oneโฆ In jest or otherwise, this has caused some issues today for Sam Draper.@essendonfcโs leaders spoke to him & reminded him & this is not what the club stands for & humility is important.
The club also contacted the @westernbulldogs, who arenโt happy with whatโฆ pic.twitter.com/otZSIwYcFs
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) May 1, 2024
โI was really disappointed in Sam,โ Scott said.
โHe's very, very clear how disappointed I was. He thought he was in an environment where he thought he was being funny. I said โmate, it's the furthest thing from funny. It's disrespectful.โ
Scott said Draper's comments - where he insinuated players like Caleb Daniel, Bailey Dale and Jack Macrae could seek moves elsewhere, whilst also labelling midfielder Bailey Smith as "gone" - had negated some of the hard work the Bombers had done to win the admiration from the competition.
The Essendon coach believes there is "plenty of room" for personalities in the game but admitted his ruckman got this one wrong.
Scott on Sam Draper. Strong stance by Brad pic.twitter.com/mQxYXaQFSj
— Scooter (@ScooterMcNeice) May 4, 2024
โI think the game's got plenty of room for a bit of colour but I think this is the thing with Drapes โ he adds massive colour. I see a lot of four and five-year-olds running around with mullets with number two on their back of their Essendon jumper and I love it,โ he praised.
โHe's a very marketable type of guy.
โHe's a loveable guy. He's just such good fun to be around and a good club man.
โBut there is a line. In terms of what is colour, what is extroversion and what is disrespectful. I was just really, really disappointed that we've taken so many steps forward earning respect that we gave a bit back.โ
The Bombers moved into fifth position with their six-point victory over the Eagles.
Scott's men will gear up for a mouth-watering clash with GWS at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.