'Mediocrity': AFL fans rage over controversial Essendon decision
Essendon Bombers fans have reacted with frustration after the club announced CEO Xavier Campbell's tenure would be extended for a further two years, despite the club's struggles this season.
Campbell is the architect of the coaching succession plan which saw head coach Ben Rutten take over from veteran mentor John Worsfold at the end of 2020.
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He was also an influential figure in the club's much vaunted plan to win a premiership by 2026 - a plan which appears to be in dire straights with the Bombers firmly entrenched towards the bottom of the ladder this season.
The Bombers have made several high profile trades and free agency acquisitions in recent seasons which have failed to result in the team fighting for a top four spot.
Despite playing a final last season, Essendon appears to have taken a step backwards so far this season with just two wins in their first nine games.
The results are at odds with Campbell's stated desire for all of Essendon's teams - including their AFLW team - to win premierships in the next four years.
At the time, Campbell said the club 'existed to win premierships'.
“We want to be a finals football club across every team in every year, and it is our ambition that every Essendon team has won at least one premiership by 2026,” Campbell said.
“When it comes to our purpose, there’s no denying we exist to win premierships.
"Our football club has been built on success, and our members absolutely want to see that happen.”
Some fans however, were less than impressed by the resigning of Campbell, given the team's lackluster results over the previous few seasons.
Many took to Twitter to share their dismay.
If you accept mediocrity, that's what you'll get.
2026?
Only 26 years between flags.
More like they've put up the white flag 🏳— Anthony whellum (@WhellumAnthony) May 17, 2022
Just what has he done to earn this exactly?
— Matt is in 'MERKA 🇺🇸🇦🇺 (@matthwrose) May 17, 2022
There's low
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There's my clearance low
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Then there's the ebb of the Essendon Football Club reappointing the CEO whilst their house burns— Montague St Bridge (@MontagueStBridg) May 18, 2022
Nobody on the outside is sticking up for those inside the club now, Brasher and Xavier Campbell now need to front the media but what can they say that will pacify those on the outside ?
— Steven Dangerfield (@StevenDangerfie) May 18, 2022
@essendonfc I'm really hoping this news of @xaviercampbell re-signing is completely false the members and supporters deserve better then what this guy has delivered from an on-site perspective. We need change!
— Plugger 🐧 (@pluggerbradford) May 18, 2022
Essendon veteran fires back at critics after brutal Swans loss
In the midst of Essendon's miserable season, club captain Dyson Heppell has been forced to respond to suggestions the team lacks toughness after last weekend's loss to Sydney.
The 58-point defeat was headlined by an indident in which Swans star Luke Parker openly mocked Bombers rival Shiel after kicking a goal from a turnover.
Critics honed in on the lack of response to the taunt from any Essendon players, including from club great Matthew Lloyd.
Lloyd said he would have "ploughed through" Parker at the next centre bounce to make a point, while an increasing number of critics have also branded the Bombers "too nice" on the field.
"Everyone has their own opinion, that's fine, but does he want Dylan to plough through someone, give away a free kick, give away a 50-metre penalty and another goal?" Heppell told Fox Footy on Monday night.
"In this day and age, free kicks are given away so quickly.
"The hardness and the firmness and what you're talking about with being a 'nice' football team, it's not about giving away free kicks or showing full-blown aggression.
"It's when the ball's there to be won, that's what we want to stand for (and) playing good, quality, tough footy."
Heppell said he was unaware of Parker's taunt and hadn't seen vision of the incident until Monday night.
"By the looks of it, (Shiel's teammates) all seemed to be oblivious to it," Heppell said.
"I had no idea it was happening in the moment ... but if you're aware of it in the moment I have no doubt teammates will go straight over and help and support."
With AAP
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