May 26, 2026 — 7:40amEssendon have parted ways with coach Brad Scott with more than a year remaining on his contract.This masthead confirmed the news on Tuesday morning. The Bombers have won just one match in a year and slumped to the bottom of the ladder with Friday night’s loss to Richmond. Brad ScottGetty ImagesScott’s exit will make Essendon the second team to remove a coach this year after Carlton and create potential competition between the fallen superpowers.Scott’s tenure saw a decline in results over his third and fourth seasons, not helped by a horrific injury toll in 2025.He had recently reminded the media - and possibly the new club hierarchy headed by chairman Andrew Welsh - that club leaders and board members had bought into a long-term rebuild strategy that would emphasise the draft.More to comeJake Niall is a Walkley award-winning sports journalist and chief AFL writer for The Age.Connect via X or email.Peter Ryan is a sports reporter with The Age.Connect via X or email.From our partners