Scott coach defends McKay from Bronx cheers as Bombers bounce back

Essendon coach Brad Scott was delighted to see Ben McKay bounce back in Thursday night’s win over Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.

The key defender, who joined on big money from North Melbourne in late 2023, was below his best in last weekend’s 61-point smashing at the hands of Adelaide.

McKay was the subject of Bronx cheers from Bombers supporters during the first half, but according to Scott played a pivotal role in the eventual 12-point victory.

“He was the leading intercept defender on the ground for the most part of the game. He was really, really important for us tonight," Scott said.

“And the thing is with key defenders, when you have breakdowns all over the ground defensively, it's usually the last line key defenders that get hung out to dry. And we hung them out to dry last week.

“Ben McKay's a really important part of what we're doing and I have great belief in his capability.”

McKay finished the night with 10 disposals, six intercept possessions, five marks, and an equal team-high four spoils.

McKay’s key defensive partner Zach Reid was also a strong contributor with 10 marks and 16 disposals while Jordan Ridley played well on his return with 22 touches at 81 per cent efficiency.

After the gritty win, Scott praised the character of his players for recovering well both mentally and physically from the shellacking they copped last weekend.

“The work they put in during the week, when really they probably could have said, ‘look, I’m exhausted, I need a break’ - they just go to work these guys,” he added.

“The criticism is warranted because the opposition kicked 160 points last week. I’m not interested in answering to the criticism.

“The most pleasing thing when you have a disappointing performance, you get to choose how you respond to it. You can capitulate, (say) it’s all too hard and the pressure’s overwhelming, or you can respond.

“I think that’s a pretty good measure of character.”

While captain Zach Merrett, who again starred with 34 disposals against the Power, felt the Crows loss in Round 2 was merely an aberration.

“Last week wasn’t a great representation, clearly,” Merrett told Fox Footy.

“But I think it’s been a bit of an anomaly. I think we’ve been number two for pressure differential the last 18 months.

“I wouldn’t call it a mulligan, but it was something out of character.”

The Dons opened their account for the season helped by kicking four goals to one in the final term.

They’ll have their bye next week before resuming in Round 5 against Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval.