AFL: Departing Essendon coach John Worsfold used his final press conference to send a message to his knockers, and impatient Bomber fans

Departing Essendon coach John Worsfold used his final press conference to send a last message to his knockers and make an impassioned plea for Bomber supporters to back his replacement, Ben Rutten.

Worsfold finishes his five years in charge on Saturday, having come to the club in the wake of the supplements scandal which saw 34 players banned for the entire 2016 season.

Essendon won just three games that year, but made the finals in 2017 and again last year, before tailing off badly in 2020 with Worsfold’s passion, and the club direction, being heavily questioned.

Former star forward Matthew Lloyd has lead the charge accusing Worsfold, a premiership player and coach at West Coast, of distancing himself form the Bombers in his post-match comments after last week’s loss to Port Adelaide.

But in a three minute statement on Friday morning, Worsfold called out his critics, defending his perceived lack of passion, and said they had to believe he did everything in the best interests of Essendon.

This was Worsfold’s statement:

“I love this game of AFL and I owe it a lot. It has been a massive part of my life for the last 34 years, so far. For those of you who know me, know that I always play and coach with everything I’ve got. I am extremely passionate about anything I do and I certainly care. I am also in introvert and I understand that this passion doesn’t always come through, especially in press conferences. I know I am much better than playing the game than just talking about it.

“So let me be clear to all Essendon people, which includes staff, players, members, coteries and our supporters, I joined our club five years ago because I felt for what it was going through and I thought it could help. Wins and losses were important but my great love of the game comes from people.

“I saw players hurting, I heard from supporters who were hurting, the club was hurting. I wanted to be part of the club bouncing back, to be part of footy being fun again at the Essendon football club. I had so much respect for the club that I joined to be part of that fightback. I respect the Essendon football club family and I can’t thank you enough for all your loyalty and support for our club and for the players through the toughest of times. I heard from you directly about the pain you felt through those tough years. There are better times ahead.

“Thanks to my family that have supported me in my endeavours and commitment to being part of the Bombers bouncing back.

“I believe strongly in Ben Rutten, that is why I agreed to a succession plan. I believe Ben has learned and grown this year and is now better placed to take the club forward. As you all get to know him you will respect him as much as myself and the players do.

“The Essendon playing group have been through two massive transitions in my short time at the football club. I also believe really strongly in these young men I know so well. I respect that there will be those who don’t share my confidence. The future will reveal the reality and I am looking forward to watching that.

“I wish Essendon all the very best. Thanks for the privilidge of being part of a unique challenge and best wishes for the future.”

Worsfold will exit the club after Essendon’s Round 18 clash with Melbourne on Saturday.