AFL LEGENDS CONFUSED OVER ESSENDON’S “REALLY STRONG STATEMENT” OF SHIEL AXING
0AFL legends confused over Essendon’s “really strong statement” of Shiel axing
Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton has questioned the bold move from Essendon to drop Dylan Shiel for their upcoming clash against the Western Bulldogs. The 29 year old. who signed a six year deal to join the Bombers from GWS in 2018. played his 50th game for the club on Anzac Day and had 26 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency. It's off the back of averaging 22.8 disposals. 4.8 clearances and 4.2 inside 50s per game in 2022. “It’s a really strong statement.” Brereton told SEN’s Crunch Time. “We just look at the quality and the worth of that player for what he’s capable of. and then we see the decision and we say. 'does that decision to drop him match losing that much talent in the team?' There must have been a hefty reason. “He is the one I was most disappointed about that Hawthorn missed picking up. that’s how much regard I have for him. “There was a time where I saw him as the next captain at GWS. that’s the esteem I viewed him in.” Brereton struggled to comprehend the reasoning behind the shock dropping and heaped praise on Shiel for his career thus far. “For players who have devastating capabilities to split games. that young man Dylan Shiel. he’s in the top 20 in the league.” he continued. “His best football is devastating. and we don’t see it or what he’s been asked to deliver as well.” Meanwhile. former Power midfielder Kane Cornes says Shiel's Anzac Day performance and his body of work should have been enough to keep him in the struggling side. The Bombers sit 1 5 heading into Sunday's clash. Ben Rutten's side simply desperate for a win. “The way the game’s played now. you need big bodied midfielders with elite speed and power who get front half possessions and are capable of hitting the scoreboard.” Cornes said. “Yes. he's not a great kick but neither is (Patrick) Dangerfield. neither is (Nat) Fyfe. neither was (Clayton) Oliver. but they have attributes that are just suited to the way the game’s played now. “What is happening at Essendon where you have a Best and Fairest in Devon Smith. who has fallen off a cliff to the point where he was dropped last week. then you’ve got Dylan Shiel who would be in the top 10 per cent of highly paid players? “I don’t know what is going on at the Bombers for this to happen and it’s quite shocking.” Essendon gave up two first round selections to get Shiel on their books and are believed to be paying him up to $800.000 per season. Shiel has been selected as an emergency for the Sunday afternoon match against the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
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