Brisbane Lions leak confidential Essendon player scouting notes via whiteboard photo
Consensus Summary
Three news outlets report that confidential scouting notes from the Brisbane Lions, detailing Essendon players' strengths and weaknesses, were leaked and shared online before the Lions' 64-point victory on May 2, 2026. The whiteboard, which included critical remarks about players like Zach Merrett ('selfish'), Ben McKay ('low confidence'), and Jaxon Prior (only strength listed as his girlfriend), was photographed illegally by a parent attending an Auskick session at the Lions' Brighton Homes Arena training base. Brisbane coach Chris Fagan condemned the leaker as a 'hero' who violated the club's privacy, while Essendon coach Brad Scott dismissed the incident as Brisbane's issue to handle. The leak has sparked discussions about club security and the ethics of sharing internal opposition analysis, with Fagan suggesting a potential rethink of public access to training facilities. Players like Jaxon Prior were reassured the comments were not malicious, and the Lions moved on from the controversy to focus on their win.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- A whiteboard listing Brisbane Lions' scouting notes on Essendon players was leaked and shared in an Essendon supporter Facebook group ahead of the Lions' 64-point win on 2026-05-02.
- The whiteboard included notes on Essendon players: Zach Merrett ('selfish'), Kyle Langford ('selfish'), Sam Durham ('hot head'), Ben McKay ('low confidence'), Andrew McGrath ('kicking cough up'), Nate Caddy (decision-making weakness), and Xavier Duursma (decision-making weakness).
- Jaxon Prior’s only listed strength was his girlfriend (named 'Bronte' in one source).
- Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan stated the photo was taken illegally by a parent attending an Auskick session at the Lions' Brighton Homes Arena training base.
- Fagan described the leaker as a 'hero' who 'decided to make a hero of themselves' by releasing the information.
- Essendon coach Brad Scott said he would not want such intel made public by his club and called it 'a problem for them to deal with, not for us'.
- Fagan spoke to Jaxon Prior after the game and assured him the comments were not intended maliciously.
- The Lions' win over Essendon was 64 points (7 consecutive goals either side of half-time).
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Josh Dunkley also addressed the issue with Prior, saying 'We love Priz and he’s been at our footy club for a long period of time so it’s good to see him going well for the Bombers.'
- Fagan mentioned the Lions have been writing opposition strengths and vulnerabilities on a whiteboard for nine years.
- Fagan questioned whether the club should open its facilities to the public after the incident.
- Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes and St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt both called for Ben McKay to be dropped during the week.
- McKay finished with five disposals and kept debutant Cody Curtin goalless.
- The leak was described as 'brutal' in the headline.
- The Guardian explicitly states the parent was a 'Bomber supporter' who took the photo.
- The article notes the whiteboard exercise was learned from former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones.
- The ABC mentions the Lions were made aware of the breach on Friday evening.
- Dwayne Zorko said the leak was 'probably harmless' and the club has done opposition boards for years.
- Harris Andrews said the incident may force a re-think of the club's security protocols at Springfield Central Stadium (not Brighton Homes Arena).
- The ABC includes a quote from Danielle Bonica about Fagan's reaction.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The Guardian and ABC mention the leaker was a parent at an Auskick session, but The Age specifies the location as Brighton Homes Arena, while ABC later mentions Springfield Central Stadium as the potential future security concern.
- The Age and ABC mention the leaker was an Essendon supporter, but The Guardian explicitly calls him a 'Bomber supporter' (likely a typo for Essendon supporter).
Source Articles
‘Make a hero of themselves’: Angry Fagan’s response to leaking of whiteboard photo
The Lions’ whiteboard listed the strengths and weaknesses of Essendon’s players, including references to Zach Merrett being “selfish”, Sam Durham a “hot head” and defender Ben McKay having “low confidence”.
‘Selfish’, ‘cough up’: Brisbane whiteboard leak exposes brutal Essendon player notes
Photo reveals strength and weakness of Bombers like Merrett and McKay Lions coach Chris Fagan fumes over ‘hero’ supporter’s social media post A furious Chris Fagan has slammed the “hero” actions of a parent who leaked confidential Brisbane whiteboard notes on Essendon players. Private information out of the club was posted online ahead of the Lions’ 64-point mauling of the Bombers on Saturday. Continue reading...
Brisbane Lions coach slams 'hero' parent after whiteboard leak
Chris Fagan has expressed his disappointment after the leaking of confidential Brisbane Lions notes on Essendon players.