AFL Legend Urges Demons to Consider Bold Selection Move: ‘I Would Bench Him’

Could Melbourne make a significant decision at the selection table following their winless start? Matthew Lloyd believes they ought to consider dropping forward Bayley Fritsch.

Fritsch has managed just one goal across four matches this season, and Lloyd is of the opinion that his style of play isn’t benefiting his teammates at all.

The Essendon legend recalls a bold move by St Kilda coach Ross Lyon in 2008, when he omitted a couple of high-profile players, and how that decision ultimately revitalised the team.

Lloyd remarked, “Ross Lyon dropped Stephen Milne and Nick Dal Santo one season for a few weeks, and St Kilda still managed to win.” during an appearance on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“To me, Fritsch seems unpredictable to his teammates and isn’t fulfilling team responsibilities. Making a bold choice might benefit the greater good of the team.”

“I would let him go. Some might ask, ‘who would you bring in?’ but that’s irrelevant; it’s about making a statement for the benefit of a player not contributing as a team player.”

“Meanwhile, Jacob Van Rooyen is not being selfish; he’s simply a player trying to regain form, and there are many in that predicament—including Simon Goodwin, who isn’t in top form as a coach either.”

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Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca was clearly frustrated as he exited the field after the defeat to the Cats, holding his head in dismay, and Lloyd empathises with him.

“I feel for him; he’s exasperated and angry. I’m certain he plays for premierships. There have been criticisms directed at him in the past, suggesting he’s overly focused on himself. I was at Friday night’s match where he began in the forward line, spending 60 per cent of the game positioned forward, attempting to fill a void in their forward setup—he kicked two goals and had 20 disposals,” Lloyd stated.

“That frustration is a reflection of what a true competitor should feel. I would rather see that than listen to some of the discussions coming from his teammates on the radio.”