Tom Morris

I think Brad Scott was more open to merit going than what Welsh was for the reasons that we've discussed, because this year has been a difficult year in many ways.

The other thing was Brad Scott said to Vozzo late last year, and this hasn't come out anywhere at all.

Have I lost the playing group?

If I've lost the playing group, you let me know and I'll walk right now.

He's a realist, Brad Scott.

He understood that the situation was potentially quite tumultuous at the club at the time.

Around the trade period time.

He was worried he'd lost the playing group.

This is my point.

How could he not know?

No, but he was told he hadn't lost the playing group, and I maintain that he never lost the playing group.

Oh, come on.

No, because I think that's just an honest question to ask.

Maybe.

But I don't think he lost the playing group.

And then as a result of that, one of the techniques or the strategies Essendon used was to send a couple of players out to support Brad Scott in the media.

Go on, get out there, talk about Brad, say you're disappointed in Merritt, and we will rally behind our coach.

That's how that played out.

Well, I think if James Hurd came, I think Merritt would sign an extension.

I think they've got a great relationship.