Brad Scott Criticizes AFL's 'Unrealistic' Tackle Demands After Dangerfield Clearance

Essendon coach Brad Scott has labeled the AFL's expectations around tackling as "unrealistic" after Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield was cleared to play against the Bombers this Saturday night. Dangerfield had initially received a one-match ban for his tackle on Carlton’s Sam Walsh, but the tribunal overturned the decision.

Scott's Stance on Tackle Expectations

Scott believes it's unrealistic to expect players to release a pinned arm during a tackle, as it goes against the natural way players are trained to tackle.

• Brad Scott's Quote: "The expectation that AFL prosecutors put on that you’ve got to release an arm, I think is unrealistic."

• Tribunal's Decision: Cleared Dangerfield of his one-match ban, allowing him to play against Essendon.

Scott had anticipated that Dangerfield would successfully challenge the ban and had planned for Geelong's clash accordingly.

The Complexity of 'Duty of Care'

The AFL has been clear that slamming players into the ground during tackles is unacceptable. However, Scott mentioned the ambiguity surrounding the "duty of care" when pinning opponents' arms.

• Scott's Perspective: "Arms pinned, that’s generally how you tackle, so to expect players to pull their opponent back, not let their head hit the ground but release an arm at the same time and hold them with one arm ... there’s a lot of expectation on players."

Essendon's Lineup Decisions

Scott is also considering lineup changes for the upcoming game against Geelong. Nate Caddy, who impressed with two goals against West Coast, could remain in the side.

• Nate Caddy's Performance: Scored two goals in his second AFL game.

• Harry Jones' Role: Pushed onto a wing to accommodate Caddy.

Structuring the Forward Line

Essendon faces a challenge in structuring their forward line, especially with several tall forwards available.

• Scott's Comment: "How we structure that forward line is still a challenge, and to be honest, we’re still a bit undecided on it."

• Potential Strategy: Five forwards taller than 190cm against a Geelong backline struggling since Round 9.

Key Player Updates

Jade Gresham

Gresham, who missed the West Coast game for personal reasons, trained fully and is set to return against Geelong.

Todd Goldstein

Goldstein is fit and available but is unlikely to play alongside Sam Draper, who had an impressive comeback.

• Goldstein's Future: Unlikely to play in the VFL while waiting for another senior side opportunity.

• Scott's View: "Horses for courses, and it will continue to be that throughout the season."

Dyson Heppell's Milestone

Scott expressed his admiration for former captain Dyson Heppell, who will reach the 250-game milestone this Saturday night.

• Scott's Praise: "Dyson Heppell is one player who I think our club owes a debt of gratitude to. He’s led our club through tumultuous periods, he’s just an unbelievable club man and unbelievable teammate."