Essendon coach Brad Scott voices his support for Tarryn Thomas

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“In Tarryn’s case, my view is one of support.

“Has he made some terrible mistakes? Yes he has, and he’s the first to admit that.

“I can’t speak to what’s happened in the last couple of years in relation to Tarryn, I haven’t been privy to all the information.

“But I just tend to think that people make mistakes. If you keep making the same mistake, there’s an issue, but as leaders we expect young people to make mistakes.

“So, as an industry, do we just wash our hands and say we’re done with him or do we help him? I prefer to sit in the help camp.”

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Scott’s comments come amid a rise in public awareness of the scourge of violence against women.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called a snap national cabinet meeting on Wednesday to address the growing community uproar about rates of violence against women.

The AFL – through its players, coaches and umpires – will observe a moment’s silence in a statement honouring the victims of violence against women at matches this weekend.

The moment’s silence will take place before all nine AFL games around the country, with players, coaches and umpires to form a circle on the field, the AFL confirmed.

The AFL’s decision was partly in response to a move by West Coast CEO Don Pyke, who urged the league to make an organised and coordinated statement.

“It’s something as an industry the AFL has led on – [making statements about] community social issues,” Scott said.

“So I think we should lead on that front. We’re fully supportive of what Pyke is proposing.

“On the other hand I’m disappointed we have to talk about it. It’s just a real shame.”

Awareness of the problem of violence towards women is particularly pertinent to Essendon.

One of their players, Nick Hind, is the cousin of Hannah McGuire, who was allegedly murdered near Ballarat last month.

“We had four players [attend] Hannah McGuire’s funeral on Monday. We’ve come so far and we’re still talking about these things that just shouldn’t be occurring,” said Scott.

“Whatever role we can play in bringing awareness to these issues, and fixing things, we should.”

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

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