'Embarrassing': Brad Scott under fire after North Melbourne's latest failure
North Melbourne have turned the heat up on Brad Scott's long tenure as coach after a listless performance against Essendon on Good Friday.
Kangaroos fans came out in droves as 48,278 filled Docklands for the marquee match but the players were unable to back up last week's win over Adelaide.
The Bombers exploded late in the second term to lead by 53 points at half-time before winning 17.14 (116) to 7.16 (58).
North proved wasteful in front of goal, nine different players recording behinds on the day.
But it was Scott, who led the Roos to a surprise ninth-place finish on the ladder last season, facing the brunt of the criticism.
Geelong great Cameron Ling hinted at problems in the coach's box on the Channel 7 broadcast, pointing out the 10 first-round draft picks in the team.
"It's not like they haven't got talent and high-quality draftees," Ling said.
Kangaroos premiership player David King went even harder, furious with the poor showing on Good Friday.
"It’s embarrassing. As a footy club, as a fan of the North Melbourne footy club, it’s just embarrassing," he said at half-time on Fox Sports.
"It’s fluky, it’s flaky, it’s not a real sustainable brand of football. On the biggest stage this club has for the season, they turn up and play like that – it’s embarrassing."
King doubled down on Scott’s coaching after the final siren: “It looks directionless ... I'm not sure what they plan for. It was awful, it was awful to watch.”
Scott's contract runs out at the end of next season but fans watching at home are ready for North Melbourne to end the partnership as soon as possible:
I love my club but something needs to change big time. I have supported Brad Scott but it might be time to move on. Our captaincy needs to change too. #AFLNorthDons
— Geddy (@bennygedz) April 19, 2019
Is @NMFCOfficial prepared to give Brad Scott another decade of our time? I seriously hope not. #AFLRoosDons
— FN Hayes (@FNHayes) April 19, 2019
I cannot see how brad Scott will still be coach after this game @giantroo @NMFCOfficial the fans have had enough!
— khoa le (@khoale27) April 19, 2019
What game plan do we have? When does the blowtorch go onto Brad Scott?
— Drew Semmens (@drewie_5) April 19, 2019
Times up for Brad Scott. Been there for 10 years and lost the playing group now. #AFLNorthDons
— Justin Dimieri (@JustinDimieri) April 19, 2019
Hate to say it, it’s going to be a long season for @NMFCOfficial supporters. Rip off the bandaid and sack Brad Scott now!! #AFLNorthDons #disgrace
— Rodney Hamill (@Rodneyhamill) April 19, 2019
A disgraceful, insipid performance from @benty83 And his @NMFCOfficial rejects. Brad Scott selfishly coaching fornhus career. Sack him now #AFLNorthDons
— Huksy (@absntmnddhusky) April 19, 2019
Could not believe the effort, the decision making and the skill set produced by the boys. You beg the supporters to come. We did. And you produce that. I’ve always been neutral with Brad Scott but he has to go.
— Vernie Valentos (@vernievalentos) April 19, 2019
Roos skipper Jack Ziebell was among the worst culprits, gathering just six disposals.
The Kangaroos will head to Port Adelaide for a primetime fixture next Friday night before games against Carlton and Geelong at Docklands.
Star Dons lift together
Boom recruit Dylan Shiel led a dominant Essendon midfield as the Bombers posted their third straight win.
Any doubts that their season was not back on track were put to bed in the second quarter when the irresistible Dons piled on five goals in 10 minutes.
The Bombers led by six goals at half-time and extended their lead to 60 points midway through the third term.
WORTH EVERY CENT: Daniher makes mockery of five-figure fine
Shiel (36 disposals, 10 inside-50s, five score assists), Zach Merrett (39 touches) and Dyson Heppell (32 disposals) had their way against a sluggish Kangaroos midfield, while Orazio Fantasia (four goals) was dynamic up forward.
Joe Daniher booted two majors in his AFL comeback after being named as a shock late replacement for Zac Clarke (calf).
The AFL confirmed Essendon will be fined – potentially as much as $20,000 – because Daniher wasn't in the Bombers' 22 or named as one of four emergencies.
with AAP