Tim Watson has admitted his surprise at some of Essendon’s selection choices for this weekend’s clash with North Melbourne.
The Bombers have omitted Mason Redman while retaining veteran David Zaharakis who had just two possessions in last weekend’s win over Collingwood and has had only 18 kicks in four outings in 2020.
Former Dons skipper Watson said he was surprised by the choice to drop Redman while also questioning the decision to keep Jayden Laverde in the side with Aaron Francis waiting in the wings.
“I am very surprised about an Essendon selection,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“This particular player has really struggled. He’s been better than a good player for Essendon over a period of time but David Zaharakis has now played three below average games and he still finds himself in that team.
“I don’t know whether Mason Redman is injured or not but Redman can play. I’m very surprised that ‘Zakka’ has kept his place in the team.
“I’m also surprised that Laverde has kept his place in the team too given that Aaron Francis is available to play. Maybe they don’t want to play him (Francis) as a forward but he can play as a forward as well.
“There’s a couple of surprises for me from Essendon this week.”
Essendon has welcomed back dashing defender Conor McKenna following his COVID-19 saga and key midfielder Zach Merrett from injury with Redman going out alongside the injured Jake Stringer.
The Bombers meet the Kangaroos at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night as they look to improve their record to 4-1.