St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says Tom De Koning and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera are responsible for dealing with the critics following relatively quiet performances to start 2026.
The pair set lofty standards before their multi-million dollar paydays, but the scrutiny has doubled down, which Lyon says is the cost of "pursuing excellence" and not "mediocrity".
"We're going to tweak their algorithms," he joked.
"Well, that's not our job (to prepare them). We're here to support people. That's why AFL football is abnormal. It's not like what you do. You're not under scrutiny, like you choose AFL football, you choose stress, you choose anxiety, you choose to be in the arena. I'm happy to be in the arena. I know what's coming
"But you've got to write your own story, and traditionally, both those players [De Koning and Wanganeen-Milera] have written really strong AFL stories.
"That's why it's AFL, it's high performance and it's abnormal. If you want normal, you step the other side of this microphone, the other side of the fence, on the ground, and you pursue mediocrity in your life. These guys are pursuing excellence, and with that comes a lot of critique in terms of the on-field."
De Koning was handsomely beaten by eight-time All-Australian Max Gawn in Round 1, while his Opening Round performance against Collingwood didn't quite hit the mark of a $1.7 million price tag.
As for Wanganeen-Milera, he copped back-to-back tags, which limited him to under 20 disposals, a tally he's reached or surpassed in every game since early 2024.
The pair's performances, compounded by the club's 0-2, start has put St Kilda in the gun, especially given the club's aggressive off-season period.
However, the "noise" isn't something Lyon is aware of.
"There's been a lot of noise, apparently," he said.
"It doesn't come up on my algorithm. So, I'm not really across everything, except the media department tell me there's a lot of noise.
"I can fine-tune my algorithm so it feeds me that stuff."
The Saints will have an opportunity to record their first win on Saturday against GWS at Engie Stadium.
St Kilda will need to make at least one change, with midfielder Jack Macrae downed by an MCL (knee) injury.
