Brad Scott Stands by Ben McKay Amidst Bomber Fan ‘Bronx Cheers’ Backlash

Essendon coach Brad Scott has come forward to support his star player, Ben McKay, who faced derision from his own fans on Thursday night.

The key defender has encountered a rocky beginning to the season, prompting Bomber supporters to express their discontent during the team’s victory over Port Adelaide by offering sarcastic cheers with every mark he secured.

This backlash follows McKay’s recent contract with the Dons for 2024, reportedly worth $1.4 million in his first year, positioning him as one of the highest-paid players in the league last year.

Despite the criticism, McKay delivered a solid performance in the match against the Power, leading Scott to swiftly defend the 27-year-old.

“I found that amusing; I wasn’t quite sure if it was meant to be Bronx cheers or not, but for most of the game, he was the top intercept defender. He played a crucial role for us tonight,” Scott stated in his post-match press conference.

“Ben McKay possesses all the qualities of an excellent key defender. He’s tall and robust, capable of matching up against any key forward.”

“The reality is that when defensively we encounter breakdowns across the field, it’s typically the last line key defenders who bear the brunt. We put them in a tough position last week.”

“If we can’t continue to enhance our system, Ben McKay will be a vital component of what we’re trying to achieve, and I have complete faith in his abilities.”

Scott expressed pride in how his team bounced back from their 60-point defeat to the Bombers, especially considering the five-day turnaround.

“Our key defenders faced an incredibly tough week last week, and I thought they were exceptional tonight,” he remarked.

“The criticism was deserved given that the opposition scored 160 points last week.

“I’m not here to address the criticism; I focus on the facts, whether we win, lose or draw, and what areas we need to improve.”

“The most satisfying outcome is that after a disappointing performance, you get to decide how to respond. You can either fold or rise to the occasion, and I believe that’s a true reflection of character.”

The Bombers now head into a bye week, providing them with the opportunity to regroup before squaring off against Melbourne in Adelaide as part of the AFL’s Gather Round.