Overview

• Andrew Dillon met with senior coaches Brad Scott, Chris Scott, Alastair Clarkson, and Simon Goodwin at a private dinner in Fitzroy as part of a series of small-group meetings with all 18 AFL coaches.
• The agenda included discussions on the coaching soft cap, match review system, talent pathways, Indigenous participation, and the league's priorities for football department funding.
• Essendon coach Brad Scott described the meeting as the most productive AFL discussion he has attended, highlighting Dillon's willingness to listen and engage with the coaches' concerns.
• Dillon raised the possibility of an AFL mental health round to support players and staff, following recent tragedies involving the Selwood family.
• The new intimate meeting format replaces the large annual coaches' dinner held by Dillon's predecessor, aiming to encourage more meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes.