Sad News: Essendon Key Player Set to Depart…

Essendon’s boss replies to player exodus as stars wait to depart.
Essendon’s CEO has spoken out the day after a shocking sacking sent the club into more crisis, with angry players looking to leave.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell has commented on some important players’ potential departures as the Bombers prepare for a turbulent off-season.

Another poor season saw them miss the finals, and players including Adam Saad, Joe Daniher, and Orazio Fantasia have expressed a wish to leave Tullamarine.

Essendon reportedly offered Saad, who has finished in the top three of the club’s best-and-fairest for the previous two years, a five-year contract for $700,000 each season, but he prefers to play for Carlton.

“It was unexpected, and it’s terrible that we’re in that situation. “It did become very difficult near the end of the season,” Campbell told SEN Breakfast. “I believe Adam found the hub tough.

“We would have preferred that he have a little more time to make his decision, but he did not, and he has taken that decision, which we must respect and get the best trade possible for the football club to drive that improvement.

“I think part of (the reason for leaving) was positional, I think part of it was culture, I think that hub experience was very difficult for him so it was a multitude of factors but they’re questions you’ll have to ask Adam.”

Ex-Essendon star Brendon Goddard also commented on Saad’s departure, telling AFL Trade Radio that the 26-year-old “felt like he was being singled out in terms of feedback and the coaches were too harsh on him”.

Tall forward Daniher, who has only played 15 games in the last three seasons, wants to join Brisbane, while goalscorer Fantasia wants to return to South Australia, with sources indicating he will sign with Port Adelaide.

“I thought we got to a position where Joey was really close to staying,” Campbell said.

“I think the length of time it took for him to make that decision is a reflection that we got much closer than people think to him saying at the football club.

“Raz (Fantasia) has had that pull home for a number of years now and he’s got a really tight family and it’s absolutely understandable.”

Adding to Essendon’s woes, the club sacked football department boss Dan Richardson on Thursday. The disruption comes as Ben Rutten officially takes over from John Worsfold as head coach.

Campbell told SEN Breakfast Essendon doesn’t have a candidate in mind to replace Richardson, but will search for “a strong and experienced leader, ideally with some diversity in their background and their experiences”.

By Ruth

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