Essendon defender Ben McKay's form has been heavily analysed by very public detractors all season, resulting in what many view as an overdue axing from the Bombers' senior side, last week.
Despite the public scrutiny and the potential for awkwardness between coach and the well-paid player, Essendon coach Brad Scott was complimentary when discussing McKay's handling of the situation.
"He (McKay) played very well (in the reserves). He played with a bit of freedom," Scott said.
"This is the balance that you work through in terms of trying to improve players. We felt it was best for Ben to go back and regain some form and belief in the VFL, and he played very well. He performed well, and he set up young players around him really well.
"He's been terrific. He's disappointed, but I felt we were doing a disservice to him and to the team by continuing to play him in the senior team.
"This just releases the shackles a little but for him, and frees him up to go and do what he does best and focus on his strengths. He's handled that very, very well. He wants to get back in the senior team as soon as possible...we'll do what's best for him and the team."
Former skipper Zach Merrett has also again been in the headlines, after revealing "nothing is set in stone" regarding his future, and Scott was quizzed about that development.
"I talk to Zach every day," he said.
"I'm more focussed on action (than what Merrett says publicly). He's delivered in spades in terms of what I knew he would this year, right from the start of pre-season right through to now - he just delivers. he's fully invested in trying to make this team as good as it can possibly be...I can't fault him on that."
The Bombers are still seeking their second victory of season 2026, but Scott appeared buoyed by some recent "evidence" that his side are turning a corner.
"If you look at the last five weeks or so, there's been some really good performances, and some really poor performances... you get fluctuation in performance," Scott said.
"We're looking for a consistency of execution and effort. When that's a little bit off against good teams, you can get pretty badly exposed. When that's been there, the players have seen clear evidence that we can compete against really good teams."
Midfielder Jye Caldwell "should be" available for Essendon's next match - a daunting date with Fremantle, after working his way back from an ankle injury sustained against Brisbane in Round 7.
