Nick Riewoldt has fired back at Essendon coach Brad Scott after being labelled 'bordering on lazy' for his criticism of under-fire defender Ben McKay. The exchange comes after Riewoldt and his co-host Kane Cornes highlighted McKay's poor performance against Collingwood on Anzac Day, suggesting the 28-year-old needs a spell in the VFL.
Scott's Initial Response
When asked about the criticism on Wednesday, Scott defended McKay, stating he was an 'easy target' and that external analysis can be 'bordering on lazy'. Scott argued that all players face confidence issues and that individualising performance is often too simplistic.
Riewoldt's Rebuttal
On Wednesday night's edition of The Agenda Setters, Riewoldt took issue with Scott's comments. 'Is it easy to pinpoint Ben McKay? Well, yeah, it is, because the vision jumps off the screen,' Riewoldt said. 'Is it lazy though? I don't think I've ever been accused of being lazy because I do the work.'
Riewoldt questioned why McKay continues to hold his spot despite consistently underperforming. 'If it's obvious to everyone, you ask the question: why is he still getting a game when he continues to deliver the same sort of action?'
Call for a Circuit-Breaker
Riewoldt and Cornes have repeatedly called for a 'circuit-breaker' for McKay, suggesting a stint in the VFL or a role change. 'Something has to be done from a coaching point of view because it's not doing him any favours,' Cornes said on Monday night.
Riewoldt added that damning footage of McKay avoiding contests and lacking competitiveness was 'hard to watch'. 'I think Brad Scott has to step in here – send him back to the VFL,' Riewoldt said.
McKay's Struggles
McKay, who is contracted until 2029 on a lucrative deal, looked bereft of confidence against Collingwood. The Bombers have been under pressure to drop him for several weeks, but Scott has so far resisted.
Riewoldt concluded that the solution is clear: 'Get him in the twos, build his confidence back up, and then find a circuit-breaker – put him in the ruck, something like that. It's worked for Peter Wright.'
