Essendon coach Ben Rutten has come under fire for his decision to play Dylan Shiel as the team’s medical sub after his initial omission from the team.
Despite being one of the team’s highest-paid stars, Shiel was initially left out of Essendon’s team to face the Western Bulldogs, before the 29-year-old was included as the 23rd man.
Shiel wound up playing in the second half after an injury to Nik Cox, finishing the game with 11 disposals, three clearances and three tackles.
READ MORE: ‘Rudderless’ Bombers slammed after horror loss
READ MORE: Rutten’s message to fans after latest disappointment
READ MORE: Lions expected to be without Daniher for weeks
According to former Kangaroos premiership winner David King, the decision to name Shiel as the medical sub was symptomatic of a team not willing to make tough calls.
“There comes a time where you’ve got to give (Shiel) some tough love,” King told Fox Footy’s First Crack.
“That’s washing and watering down the whole process (by playing him as the sub).
“Do they really hold people accountable? No they don’t because he plays today (Sunday).”
Following his side’s 32-point loss to the Bulldogs, Rutten offered a vague explanation for his decision, but refused to specify exactly what areas in Shiel’s game needed improving.
“It’s probably one for us in-house,” he told reporters.
“We love Dyl as a person, we love the unique skill set and the strengths he brings to the club and to the game. We see that on a regular basis.
“I’ve been talking with Dyl about making sure he’s got a more well-rounded game. We’ll continue to talk through that with Dyl, he’s really clear on that, and we’ll continue to support him. Our job is to get all of our players playing the best they can.”
The third-year coach’s explanation did not sit well with King.
“I hear what Ben says and he’s got a different view than us and that’s fine, but when your team’s going the way they are and you make a decision to change the course of your season (dropping Shiel) and then reverse that… this is what happens,” he said.
“This season, the only thing they’ve got to gather this season is to recommit to being a blue collar football team – they are not doing that by their selection and their words.
“You know what? You’re a club without standards right now.”