Essendon Coach Criticises ‘Unruly’ Trend After Players Face Fines Exceeding $49k in a Single Weekend

Essendon coach Brad Scott has voiced his concerns that the AFL is imposing fines on players too frequently and excessively.

His remarks follow the league’s recent efforts to enforce stricter penalties for accidental contact with umpires, a move prompted by a noticeable increase in such incidents this season.

Under the new regulations, players can be sent directly to the tribunal and face suspensions if they have been found guilty of four or more infractions in the past two seasons. Currently, Gold Coast’s Matt Rowell and St Kilda’s Jack Macrae are at that threshold.

Scott understands the league’s motivation for taking a tougher stance, noting that there have already been 63 charges this season, surpassing last year’s total by a considerable margin.

In round 16 alone, 37 players faced charges, with a cumulative total of $49,250 in fines issued.

“It feels as though the hand has been forced on this one,” Scott told the media on Wednesday.

“Often, we overlook workplace health and safety in AFL footy, especially during the game… obviously, the umpires feel their safety is compromised.”

“I genuinely hope there is a thorough examination of umpire positioning, particularly with four umpires on the field.”

“I’d like to know the AFL Players’ Association’s stance on this because the number of fines on players is escalating alarmingly at the moment.”

“While I comprehend the rationale behind the rule change and recognise the league’s sense of urgency, I believe everyone involved needs to take responsibility, not just the players.”

During round 16, more than a dozen players were penalised with fines for a variety of infractions, including contact with umpires and engaging in melees.

“I empathise with the players. It’s quite distressing to be honest, the sheer volume of fines they’re facing,” Scott remarked.

“There seems to be a perception that when players receive fines, it’s not taken seriously. Sideline umpire contact aside, any finding from the MRO resulting in a fine seems to suggest the player has been exonerated.”

“But I can assure you, the players don’t feel exonerated.”

Scott attributes the rise in umpire contact incidents partly to players utilising the umpires’ positioning to gain an advantage during stoppages.

“Ball-ups are the issue. Accidental contact with umpires around the field is rare,” he explained.

“The real concern arises predominantly at ball-ups and centre bounces. The AFL has made it abundantly clear that if players position themselves behind an umpire who is retreating from a stoppage and contact occurs, they will be held accountable.”

“What we’ve witnessed is that many of the league’s top players are positioning themselves there. They need to be closely marked, which can inadvertently lead to these situations.”

“We’re going to address this at training today to ensure we avoid putting ourselves in such positions.”

This weekend, Essendon is set to face Gold Coast, but they will once again be without key defender Zach Reid, who has sustained another hamstring strain during training, just hours after Scott indicated he was a chance to make a return.