Essendon forward Orazio Fantasia could be “staring at a spell” in the VFL amid his recent run of poor form, according to Garry Lyon.
Since returning from injury in Round 13 against Hawthorn, Fantasia is averaging just 8.8 disposals per game and has booted four goals in that five-week period.
The 23-year-old had just five touches and failed to hit the scoreboard in the thrilling five-point win over North Melbourne.
“I’m a huge Fantasia fan. Him playing near his best makes Essendon infinitely better,” Melbourne great Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“He’s staring at a spell in the VFL. Given that game and given what we saw on the weekend … and you say this not knowing if there’s an injury issue.
“I’m assuming there’s not because no one has said anything.
“The contrast between he and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti … one was hunting the contest; one was putting himself into dangerous positions where he can impact, and Orazio was doing the opposite.”
Former St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt would deploy the Bombers livewire further up the ground in order to regain some much-needed confidence.
“Rather than going back to the 2s, go and have a run on the ball; get up to the wing for an extended period,” Riewoldt said.
Fantasia, 23, has kicked 16 goals and averages 11.8 disposals from his 11 appearances in 2019.