Brisbane’s dominant victory over Essendon was overshadowed by the unintended exposure of a whiteboard detailing the Lions’ analysis of their opponents, prompting strong reactions from coach Chris Fagan. The Lions secured a decisive 64-point win with seven consecutive goals either side of half-time, but the match became more about the controversy that followed.
The whiteboard contained insights into Essendon’s players, including notes on star Bombers Zach Merrett and Kyle Langford being “selfish,” Sam Durham as a “hot head,” and defender Ben McKay having “low confidence.” It also questioned the disposal of Bombers skipper Andrew McGrath and highlighted weaknesses in Nate Caddy and Xavier Duursma’s decision-making. Merrett’s strengths were noted as his “kicking, licence, pressure,” while Caddy’s athleticism and aerial threat when allowed to “run and jump” at the ball were mentioned.
There was also a reference to former Lion Jaxon Prior, whose only strength was humorously noted as his girlfriend.
The Lions believe the photo was taken by a member of the public during an Auskick session at the club’s training base at Brighton Homes Arena. The image was later uploaded to social media, sparking debate.
Fagan addressed the issue, stating he had spoken to Prior after the game and assured him there was no ill intent behind the comments. “I spoke to Jaxon out on the field after the game, as did a lot of our players, and had a bit of a laugh and a joke together,” Fagan said. Senior Lion Josh Dunkley also confirmed he had spoken to Prior before and after the game, expressing support for the player.
“I spoke with Jaxon Prior after the game and before the game, so he’s all good, which is nice,” Dunkley said. “We love Priz and he’s been at our footy club for a long period of time, so it’s good to see him going well for the Bombers.”
Fagan clarified that the mention of Prior’s partner was not intended to be offensive. “Remember that player played at our club, and players all know him, and we know his partner as well, and there was nothing bad intended at all with that comment, not at all, zero,” Fagan said. He expressed disappointment that the incident became public, calling it “private information” that should have remained internal.
Fagan criticized the person who took the photo, believing it to be an Essendon supporter. “Somebody illegally took photos of information that was on a whiteboard and then decided to make a hero of themselves and put it out in the public domain,” Fagan said. He questioned whether the club should open its facilities to the public in light of such incidents.
Bombers coach Brad Scott acknowledged the issue but stated it was for the Lions to handle. “It’s a problem for them to deal with, not for us,” Scott said. “I wouldn’t want that coming out of our building.” He emphasized that such analysis is part of the competitive nature of football, noting that players must respond to any identified weaknesses.
Scott also addressed the criticism directed at Ben McKay, who faced boos from supporters in the final quarter. He refused to dictate how the Bombers should behave, acknowledging the difficulty of making changes on the field. “It’s always the easiest thing in the world to sort of suggest changes. But who goes out is easy, who comes is in the hard bit,” Scott said.
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