Matthew Lloyd believes Hawthorn made a poor decision in selecting first-gamer Connor Downie as the medical sub in their one-point win over Essendon on Saturday night at Marvel Stadium.
Speaking on Channel Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, Lloyd believes clubs should be wary of picking a debutant as the medical sub because of the memories a player takes from their first game.
"I wouldn't play a first gamer until he's ready to play in the 22, not to be the sub,” Lloyd said.
“I just think that you can recount your first game and the joy of ringing your parents, your first handball, your first touch, you get 20 tickets for your friends and family.
“Connor Downie’s done all that, but he’ll never be able to say he played a second of it.
“Imagine Jamarra Ugle-Hagan rocks up for his first game for the Dogs and he doesn’t play a second, that would be flattening. It’s no different to a guy who’s taken pick 53 in the draft.
“I’m saying don’t play him at all, Connor Downie has starred throughout the pre-season his time will come.
“I wouldn’t play a first-gamer in that situation because that’s what he’ll remember it for.”
"I wouldn't play a first gamer until he's ready to play in the 22, not to be the sub."@MatthewLloyd18 didn't like seeing Connor Downie making his debut as the medical sub last night, and not playing a minute.#9AFLSFS | Watch @channel9 pic.twitter.com/vb2HUoPIUu
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) March 20, 2021