Time On: Grant Thomas blasts poor body language of young forward Max King

St Kilda young gun Max King has been blasted for his poor on field body language and blaming teammates for not playing well.

Max King was accused of having poor body language in the Saints big loss to Sydney. Picture: Michael Klein

Time On is your Monday wrap-up of all the footy gossip from the weekend.

Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has delivered a scathing criticism of young gun forward Max King.

Thomas vented his frustrations on Twitter after the Saints’ embarrassing loss to Sydney. He said King had been wrongly set up to be a “demigod” and accused him of “sooking” and having an atrocious attitude.

“You don’t pander to a player sooking and not providing second efforts while displaying poor body language and blaming teammates,’’ he wrote on Monday.

Grant Thomas in his time as Saints coach.

“King has always had poor demeanour when he is not playing well – even when the Saints are winning! So he either doesn’t listen to the coach or more likely the coach doesn’t address it with him. They’ve set King up to be a demigod and it’s wrong.”

Thomas, who raised King’s effort as an issue last year, said he needs to be taught he’s in a team.

Brendon Goddard and Matthew Lloyd were also critical of King and the team’s performance. Thomas said he had no gripes with coach Brett Ratten, but he’s worried about the advice he’s taking.

“Is there ANY risk at all Ratt’s can question attitude and effort rather than ball movement and strategy breakdown. They are outcomes from poor attitude and a lack of unconditional effort and buy-in. (Incoming CEO Simon) Lethlean speaks on good stuff but seemingly runs for cover when drama hits.”

Scott’s health woes continue

Footy legend Don Scott has suffered another health setback after undergoing treatment for skin cancer.

Scott has had a rough time, last year copping nine stitches above his eye after an accident while getting into his car. He also had a stent inserted in his chest for a blocked artery a year ago.

Don Scott has had a rough time with his health over the last year. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Last August he spoke about suffering from depression as a result of Victoria’s ongoing lockdown.

The Hawks great, 74, said he had noticed a difference in his demeanour and wellbeing.

He is still working with his horses in Mornington and hopes to be doing competition dressage in far North Queensland soon.

Scott’s You Cannot Be Serious podcast host Sam Newman is also fighting his own battle, set to undergo ankle surgery for at least the seventh time next week.

Spotted in the box

There was an interesting combination watching on from a box at the MCG on Sunday.

The camera showed former Pies president Eddie McGuire sitting alongside cricket legend Ian Botham who donned a Magpies scarf, and behind them was Nanette Malthouse, wife of former Pies premiership coach Mick Malthouse.

McGuire and Malthouse famously fell out over the succession plan to install Nathan Buckley as senior coach.

Former Australian captain Kim Hughes was also in there, along with McGuire’s wife Carla.

Sir Ian Botham with Eddie McGuire and Nanette Malthouse in back.

Reading the tipping forecast

Weather presenter Jane Bunn is making some wise choices when it comes to footy forecasts.

The avid St Kilda fan is still leading the Herald Sun tipping race and will head into Round 16 with a slight lead.

“Something has changed this year and I seem to be on quite a roll at tipping,’’ the Seven News meteorologist said.

“Actually, I think my secret may be not trying to be too clever and only going with tips that seem safe.

“I presume my lucky streak will come to a fiery end at some point soon, but it feels great to be good at this while it lasts!”