Brad Scott Alleges Umpires Overlook Simple Requests Amidst Nate Caddy’s Controversy over Umpire Contact

Essendon head coach Brad Scott has expressed frustration towards the AFL umpires, stating they are dismissing a straightforward request while Nate Caddy finds himself under scrutiny for incidents involving umpire contact.

During the early stages of the third quarter, as Caddy was moving into his defensive line while the Suns launched a deep kick, he collided with umpire Robert O’Gorman, causing an audible groan that could be heard through the broadcast’s microphone.

The issue of umpire contact has once again captured attention in the AFL, particularly after a recent directive warned that players reported four times or more could face the tribunal.

Caddy’s incident has reignited this conversation.

“There was a significant collision off the ball … in fact, Caddy may have come off worse,” remarked Leigh Montagna on Fox Footy.

“He was simply trying to reach the contest, but the umpire didn’t see him approaching and stepped into his path … I don’t believe this is something Nate Caddy can be blamed for; he was just making his way towards the goal square, which is entirely permissible.”

Meanwhile, West Coast coach Adam Simpson also showed support for Caddy, stating, “Both players were focused on the ball—that tendency occurs often during centre bounces too.”

After the match, Scott maintained that Caddy ought to be unconcerned about the incident.

“No, not at all. The contact with the umpire, as I mentioned earlier this week, largely occurs during ball-ups,” he said.

Having previously held the position of general manager of football at the AFL, Scott elaborated on measures to address the umpire contact issue.

“I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve contacted the AFL about relocating umpires out of the corridor. They rush into the corridor and remain there, which is precisely where we aim to gain possession of the ball,” he stated.

“During my time at the AFL, I advocated for them to steer clear of that corridor, yet they refused to comply. My latest response from Steve McBurney was merely to act as if they’re invisible.

“Well, they’re certainly not invisible, and unfortunately, it hindered Nate Caddy’s performance, taking him 15 minutes to come back. Who’s to blame? Certainly not Nate Caddy.”

After the incident, Caddy was visibly in pain, holding his ribs while the umpire was seen leaving the field, noticeably affected.

Scott confirmed that medical staff attended to Caddy before he re-entered the match. Additionally, he mentioned that the AFL Review Centre instructed Essendon’s medical team to check on the umpire’s condition.

Scott concluded by reiterating his concerns regarding the umpires’ positioning in relation to the corridor, adamantly stating, “They continuously refuse to take action. Who’s accountable here? Is this on Nate Caddy? Because our team lost a player for 15 minutes. Furthermore, the ARC directs our medic to check on the umpire, and it’s supposed to be Nate Caddy’s fault? I don’t foresee any repercussions for him coming from this. We’ve raised this issue multiple times, only to have it ignored.”