"They probably want a result" - Essendon coach Brad Scott believes fans should have final say on whether extra time is introduced
Essendon coach Brad Scott believes it is ultimately up to the fans to decide whether extra time should be introduced in a match. Recently, the Essendon Bombers competed against Collingwood, resulting in a draw with a score of 85-85.
Following the tournament, Brad Scott stated that the fans should decide whether extra time should be provided to determine the winner. Speaking about the tournament, the coach mentioned that he could argue for and against the match, but ultimately, the decision should rest with the fans.
"I could make an argument for and against, but I think the game comes back to the fans. For them, if you ask the fans, I think they probably want a result. "It's an even competition and I think we fixed the major one - we don't want a draw in a grand final, as an industry. But I don't have a strong view for and against (extra time in home-and-away matches). If I was at the AFL, I'd poll the fans," said Scott (via Newcastleherald.com)
Bombers began the game strongly, taking an early lead of 37-18 in the first quarter. However, Collingwood performed well in the second quarter and narrowed the margin to 47-48.
Both teams played fairly well in the third round, scoring at 65-66, and Collingwood took the lead. At the end of the fourth quarter, they tied at 85-85, marking the first tie of the season.
Essendon captain Zach Merrett talks about extra time
Essendon Bombers captain Zach Merrett believed that if they had been given an extra 5-10 minutes, they would have secured the result.
Following the event, he opened up about the game, saying (as quoted by Newcastleherald.com):
"I love competing, I love winning and I hate losing, so I would love to have played for an extra five or 10 minutes to get a result. But it's a unique feeling walking off with no team song for both (sides)."
Essendon will next play against the West Coast on Saturday, May 4. The match will commence at 20:10 AEST. Meanwhile, Collingwood will take on Carlton in Round 8. The match will take place on Friday, May 3.