Woosha defends call not to play McKinley - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Woosha defends call not to play McKinley

By Justin Chadwick 31/03/2009 06:32:18 PM Comments (0)

West Coast coach John Worsfold has angrily defended his decision not to play Ben McKinley last week, claiming he does not consider the young AFL forward to be in the Eagles' best 22.

McKinley was a shining light in West Coast's disastrous 2008 campaign, booting 42.20 to lead the club's goal kicking list.

Carlton were keen to lure the Victorian back home at the end of last year but the 22-year-old knocked back the offer to re-sign with the Eagles.

But McKinley, who booted five goals in a pre-season game against the Dockers, was a shock omission from the team that went down to Brisbane by nine points at the Gabba last week.

"There were 22 other players that we believed formed out best line-up to take on Brisbane," Worsfold said.

When a local reporter asked whether there were any disciplinary reasons why McKinley was not selected, Worsfold lashed out.

"That's pretty obscene to question Ben McKinley of discipline factors. You shouldn't raise that," Worsfold said.

"You disagree with our selection policies, so that's fine ... I disagree with a lot of your views on football."

McKinley faces an uphill battle to earn selection for Sunday's clash with Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval after fellow forward Mark LeCras starred with a six-goal haul against the Lions.

Worsfold is confident of regaining the services of Adam Selwood and Adam Hunter but doubts still surround the fitness of the premiership duo.

Hunter failed to play a game for the Eagles during the pre-season after being troubled by pain in his reconstructed shoulder but has negotiated his way through the past two WAFL games.

The 27-year-old booted three goals for Swan Districts in an impressive performance last week and moved freely at training on Tuesday.

"I've got to have a good chat to Adam (Hunter) about where he's at and how he's feeling," Worsfold said.

"The only reason why he wouldn't be in would be if he didn't feel his shoulder was quite right for AFL footy yet."

Selwood, who underwent a minor procedure on his knee during the pre-season, made it through a series of run-throughs on Tuesday but will be more thoroughly assessed later in the week.

Worsfold threw his support behind struggling ruckman Mark Seaby, who failed to kick a goal against the Lions despite spending large periods of the game up forward.

"I thought he had an opportunity to take a mark or two up forward and that's what we were hoping to see him do and he didn't deliver that, so that was a bit of a let down," Worsfold said.

"But his ruck work was alright.

"I think the expectation on Seaby is a little bit over the top at times."

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