AFL great Kane Cornes has voiced his frustration at Ben King’s one-disposal effort during Gold Coast’s 33-point loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday.
After failing to make an impact on the match, King was subbed out during the third quarter by embattled Suns coach Stuart Dew.
The bold move comes after a difficult week for the club where leading AFL journalist Caroline Wilson claimed Dew’s days were “numbered”.
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“You would have wanted a response from the players who told us they were angry with the scrutiny of Stuart Dew this week and the report from Caroline Wilson on Monday that he was under pressure,” Cornes told Nine’s AFL Sunday Footy Show.
“So, to not get a response from one of your leaders at the footy club, Ben, is disappointing considering (opposition player Trent) McKenzie was also off so there was (an) opportunity there.”
Speaking post-match, Dew explained why he dragged his star forward, who a number of Victorian clubs are attempting to pry out of the Gold Coast.
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“He actually got his hands on a few early and he was frustrated, he’s been presenting really well. I don’t think he’s had many nights like this that haven’t been his night,” he said.
“It was a simple message to him that said, ‘Look we are going to go a little bit smaller’. Levi (Casboult) was looking dangerous and Jack (Lukosius) was working up and down the ground so it was purely tactical.”
Major concern for McKenzie
Both Cornes and ex-Bulldogs and Tigers star Nathan Brown endorsed Dew’s decision, claiming it would send a statement to the competition.
“That’s good from the coach … It’s not something we’ve seen before,” Brown said.
“I don’t mind it,” Cornes added.
“[But] it shows a level of frustration. It’s disappointing from the players, that on the back of the week that they had, they weren’t able to stand up, and (King) was one of a couple (of players).
“To concede nine goals in the third quarter just says that the club is under serious pressure.”
It was also a horror night for King’s twin brother, St Kilda forward Max, who will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a shoulder injury that will require surgery.
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