Police have confirmed an investigation has been launched after a message was burnt into the playing field at Essendon’s training headquarters.
Victoria Police have estimated the damage to the club’s facilities is around $10,000.
Code Sports first reported vandals used petrol to write a message on the grass at the team’s ‘Hangar’ facilities.
According to Code Sports, the disparaging message targeted the club’s coaching staff.
Channel 7 reports the message was also related to the club’s disastrous 0-4 start to the season.
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Bombers officials returned to the club’s base on Tuesday after the Easter long weekend to discover the message.
The Bombers were thumped by the Western Bulldogs by 34 points on Sunday after trailing by 54 points at half time.
“Police are investigating criminal damage to the grounds of a sports oval on Watsons Drive near Melbourne Airport reported on 7 April,” Victoria Police said in a statement issued to news.com.au.
“The estimated damage is $10,000. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Images obtained by Code Sports show the vandalism appeared to take place in a pocket of one of the playing surfaces.
Rivals Carlton are also facing issues with vandalism after the club’s loss to North Melbourne on Friday.
Calls for coach Michael Voss to be sacked have swirled since the defeat as the club stares down the barrel of another season without playing finals football.
Code Sports reports the words ‘Sack Voss’ were painted across a Richmond cafe that’s operated by a group of Carlton fans.
“It came in the aftermath of the 1-3 Blues suffering yet another fad-out loss to North Melbourne on Good Friday.
One manager at the venue said the cafe staff were not responsible.
Images show a navy blue and white sign had been painted across the wall of the venue with the writing “Sack Voss”.
There are many Blues fans saying the same thing.
Despite the backlash, Voss is not going down without a fight.
“We’re not winning, so you obviously expect some level of scrutiny,” he said.
“You appreciate that’s what’s going to happen every single week when you come off a game you should win and don’t end up finishing the job.
“But also what you have to do is continue to look at what’s real and what’s not real, some of that you have to factor in – you can’t ignore it.
“At the same time, when you’re committed to what’s important to you, you tend to give that more voice.
“That’s the challenge for us: how do you give voice to what’s happening inside, celebrate people but also still have the high standards and accountability that’s needed.”
Carlton takes on Adelaide on Thursday night to kick off Gather Round.
— You can read further details on Code Sports
