Essendon's Ben McKay has faced intense scrutiny as his team has managed only a single win this season. The 28-year-old defender's performances have fallen short of expectations, particularly given his lucrative contract. After being dropped to the reserves last week, head coach Brad Scott praised McKay's response, stating, 'He played very well (in the reserves). He played with a bit of freedom.'
Many assumed, including former AFL player Cameron Mooney, that McKay would return for the match against Fremantle. However, Scott decided to leave him out once again. Mooney, unaware of this, spoke on air about McKay's return, only to be corrected by Scott.
During a pre-match interview on Fox, Mooney asked Scott, 'Fantastic to have Benny McKay back in the team, you're going to need him obviously with this three pronged attack that Fremantle have, we know how good they are scoring. So what is he going to bring back and how's the confidence?'
Scott responded, 'Well you might know something I don't Moons, but Benny is not in the team today, but he played really well in the VFL last week.' The awkward exchange highlighted the confusion surrounding McKay's status.
Earlier in the week, Scott had spoken glowingly of McKay's attitude after being dropped. '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,' Scott said. '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 bit 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.'
McKay's squad status caused confusion across multiple media outlets. He was initially named in the extended squad for Sunday but was ultimately omitted before kickoff.
