Essendon great Matthew Lloyd wonders how his old club deals with Dylan Shiel next year.
Shiel has only recently returned to the Bombers line-up from injury and has struggled for touch somewhat, with his ball-use in particular being questioned.
In his absence, the Bombers have seen Darcy Parish emerge as an All-Australian level midfielder alongside Zach Merrett, while Jake Stringer has also become a dominant clearance midfielder.
Andrew McGrath is currently on the sidelines injured, but is also a key part of that centre bounce unit.
Behind them, the Bombers have young midfielders in Jye Caldwell and Archie Perkins who will likely also push for on-ball opportunities going forward.
“Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett and Jake Stringer, Andrew McGrath to come back, I don’t know where Dylan Shiel plays,” Lloyd told Footy Classified.
“That’s the big elephant in the room for the Bombers next year, where he fits.
“Dylan Shiel and Devon Smith, I think they take away from that midfield when they’re in there, I know you need depth.
“Those two came in on big deals and they gave up a lot to get them into the club, but I think they fall out of favour and that just shows the strength of the Bombers.”
The Bombers spent big to get Shiel to the club from GWS back in the 2018 trade period, giving up two first-round picks for the midfielder and a future second rounder.
He played 37 games across his first two seasons with Essendon, but has been held back by a knee injury this season.
