Former Herald Sun chief football writer Mike Sheahan has questioned West Coast’s decision to rest veteran ball-winner Sam Mitchell for yesterday’s clash with Collingwood.
The Eagles opted to sit the former Hawk and it proved costly as the Magpies booted the final five goals of the game to cause an upset win.
Mitchell has played 15 of a possible 17 matches this year and has averaged over 30 possessions in his past five matches against Collingwood.
Sheahan told SEN Breakfast that resting players has a habit of coming back to haunt teams.
“I find this business of saying players are managed and rested...I think it’s nonsense,” Sheahan said.
“He would have had 25 (possessions) yesterday and they would have made something out of 22 of them.
“They got their just deserts”
Sheahan also pointed the finger at West Coast’s midfield group in the final half an hour.
Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey, Matt Priddis and Dom Sheed didn’t record a single contested possession between them in the frenetic final quarter as the Magpies came from the clouds to record a thrilling win.
“That is staggering,” he said.
“It all reflects (bad) attitude.”
The defeat leaves the Eagles outside the top eight on percentage, but have a favorable run over the next three weeks facing Brisbane, St Kilda and Carlton before finishing the home and away season with clashes against flag fancies Greater Western Sydney and Adelaide.