Bombers coach Brad Scott was scathing in his post-match comments regarding the choice of banner the Giants employed before the meeting of the two sides on Saturday afternoon.
The Giants were up to their typical antagonistic antics, producing a banner that referenced both 'whiteboard gate' - a scandal that led panel shows and fed talkback radio all week - and Essendon's notorious finals drought.
It is the latest example of the Giants' now-signature cheek, with the club's social media presence and match day banners often treading the line, provoking the traditionalists, and hogging headlines.
As a coach and as a player, Scott's tolerance for nonsense has always been rather low, and that trait shone through when pressed about the banner, dismissing it as nothing more than a ploy for attention.
"The Giants are pretty desperate for some relevance in the competition and are trying to build their fan base," Scott said.
"I'm a strong proponent of building our game in the northern states, in western Sydney and on the Gold Coast, and that's really important for the AFL. I'm reluctant to comment on other clubs, but they make their decisions, and we make ours."
On the field, the Bombers were brave in defeat, running a fancied Giants outfit close, despite being rank outsiders.
The impact of draftee Dyson Sharp's injury and what it revealed about the young man's character drew a far more positive response from Scott than questions about the Giants' baiting did.
Scott was adamant that Sharp's grit was indicative of the change in culture the Bombers are trying to facilitate through the draft.
"He (Sharp) thinks he'll play next week," Scott said.
"I don't think that's right, but that's just the way he is.
"I've talked to our supporters about the characteristics of the players, not just the capabilities and talent, that we want to bring in (to this club). Dyson's response is the same as Isaac Kako wanting to play with a stress fracture in his back because he just wants to get out there and play. It's such a great sign for the club.
"He landed on his elbow. We'll get it scanned. It's likely one of three options: it's OK, it's a four-to-six-week injury, or it requires surgery. I said I wasn't going to speculate, then I probably just did."
"When Dyson Sharp got injured, it was a turning point in the game. I can't recall a time in my footy career where you could say that about an 18-year-old playing in just his third or fourth game."
Essendon's next task is a daunting one - a date with the red-hot Dockers comes Sunday, while the Giants travel west to face the Eagles later that same day.
