FOX FOOTY Podcasts · Fox Sports Australia

AFL 360 – Brad Scott on the desk + Bailey Smith incident– 10/09/25

·23 min·1 clip

Brad Scott says Zach Merritt's Hawthorn meeting was a surprise, then says Essendon recommitted to him twice.

1. Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on 10/09/25 centres on Bailey Smith, Zach Merritt, and the 2025 finals build-up. 2. Gerard Whateley and Garry Lyon front the desk, with Brad Scott joining as Essendon coach and Adam Simpson, John Longmire, and Jock Landale listed later. 3. The episode asks whether Essendon can hold Zach Merritt, whether Geelong will respond to the Bailey Smith incident, and which clubs are under D-Day pressure in September. 4. Bailey Smith confronted News Corp photographer Alison Wynd after she took an image of him getting treatment before Geelong training. 5. The hosts say Smith “twice confronted, swore and demanded” that Wynd delete the images, and they call the behaviour “unacceptable” and “not good enough.” 6. The discussion argues that a football environment is a “safe environment” and a “shared environment” that still requires respect both ways. 7. The episode then moves to finals, where Adelaide is described as seeking amends after “blowing the advantages of the minor premiership.” 8. John Longmire is referenced as someone who has already “lived” a similar finals scenario, and Hawthorn are framed as angry and hungry at Adelaide Oval. 9. Gold Coast is cast as a live chance after one big September win, with Brisbane described as the obstacle in the Q-Clash. 10. The panel notes Brisbane’s mix of experience and youth, including “eight under 22” and three teenagers from the first week of finals. 11. The biggest club storyline is Zach Merritt meeting Hawthorn on Tuesday night while Essendon’s board had already decided he would not be traded. 12. Brad Scott says the meeting was “a surprise” and says he speaks to Merritt “daily,” including dinner at his house a few days earlier. 13. Scott says Essendon recommitted to Merritt last year because he was “underpaid for someone who was performing at such a high level.” 14. Scott says the club changed Merritt’s remuneration “for the second time in three years” to reflect his performance and leadership. 15. He says Merritt is “29,” “a man in a rush,” and worried the club’s young talent may not mature fast enough for his timeline. 16. Scott says Essendon’s position is that Merritt is “our captain,” “contracted for two years,” and will not be traded “under any circumstances.” 17. Scott also distinguishes Merritt from Sam Draper, describing Draper as an uncontracted free agent with an ACL, a PCL, groin-hip problems, and a ruptured Achilles. 18. The interview is direct and combative, with repeated questions about loyalty, trade power, and whether a captain can still lead after requesting a move. 19. The episode suits Essendon supporters and September footy watchers who want club politics and finals context. 20. It is less useful for listeners who want only match recaps and not trade-room argument.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from FOX FOOTY Podcasts