Ben McKay has reportedly been dropped by Essendon for Saturday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney following a torrid run of form.

The key defender, 28, was jeered by his own fans during a humbling defeat to Brisbane Lions last weekend.

According to the Herald Sun, it will be confirmed on Thursday that McKay has not made it

into the senior side for the game against the Giants in Sydney.

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It is not yet known whether he will turn out for their VFL team against the Giants on Sunday.

McKay’s difficult run was magnified further last week when the Lions’ whiteboard leak listed him as having “low confidence” — while they failed to name any strengths.

McKay joined Essendon from North Melbourne in 2023 and is in the third of a six-year contract with the Victorian club.

Coach Brad Scott addressed the booing towards McKay following the loss to the Lions, saying: “You don’t like it. It’s an abnormal footy environment.

“But that’s going to happen and it’s happened at other clubs, it’s happened to other players and you’ve got to fight through it.”

Those comments came after Scott had previously said: “Every player in the competition has, quote-end-quote, confidence issues in their career.

“That’s part of being in a cut-throat environment where you’re playing against the very best every week.

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“When you’re a key defender, you play on very good players every week, so you’re right on the edge.”

The decision to drop McKay comes after former Essendon player and coach James Hird defended the Torquay-born star.

Speaking to Channel 9, Hird said: “Ben McKay has been harshly criticised, by his own (Essendon) fans and by everyone in the media.

“Firstly, Ben McKay is not that bad a player. Ben has a lot of talent, he is a very good footballer lacking a lot of confidence, and he is lacking confidence in his decision making.

“It’s really upsetting for him, it’s upsetting for his family.

“Is he playing his best football? No, but I think it’s a result of the system he’s in not providing him the protection it needs to provide.”

Essendon have a 1-7 record — their only win of 2026 coming against Melbourne in mid-April.

Originally published as Bombshell move as Essendon drop Ben McKay after booing