Alastair Clarkson has backed North Melbourne star Harry Sheezel, declaring that he is filling his role in the team despite the external noise.
Sheezel copped a whack from media personality and former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes, who suggested that the former Pick 3 gets cheap touches and isn't damaging with ball in hand.
However, Clarkson explained that the 20-year-old's position across half-back was a needs-based approach to help the team turn defence into attack.
"They've (Sheezel and Simpkin) been consistent in the roles we require them to play," Clarkson said.
"Both of them have been pretty good for us this year. Particularly Harry, we've had to switch him around a little bit. Would we like to play him midfield and forward? Yep. It's hard to have score involvements when you play half-back flank.
"But he won a best and fairest as a back flanker and part of our trouble, in terms of defending the ground, part of the reason he's gone back... how do you get out of your back end effectively, and we need guys who use the ball really well.
"We saw what (Connor) Rozee for Port Adelaide has been able to do the last few weeks since he's gone back. He goes back, and it's a masterstroke.
"Winning requires no explanation. But when you lose, you've got to try and justify everything."
Sheezel gathered 32 disposals, nine marks, eight turnovers, and two intercept possessions, yielding his lowest player rating of the season with 3.7.
Among his stats, the Sandringham Dragons product failed to record a clearance, notched up three score involvements and two inside 50s.
In stark contrast to Port Adelaide skipper Connor Rozee, whose move to defence has produced more impressive results, including hitting the scoreboard in three weeks he's been there, as well as more intercept possessions.
As Clarkson alluded to, Sheezel won a best and fairest off the half back, but to begin season 2025, has slightly lacked that attacking flair that almost rewarded him a maiden All-Australian blazer.
Rozee, Sydney's Nick Blakey, and Collingwood's Josh Daicos, are all playing the role that Sheezel can aspire to.
All three showcase elite foot skills and daring play to help turn their defence into attack, which is why Clarkson has put the 20-year-old back.
North Melbourne will have a nine-day break before hosting Brisbane in Hobart at Ninja Stadium.
