West Coast ruckman Matt Flynn responds to being axed for match-up against Melbourne star Max Gawn
Flynn found himself axed after the disappointing western derby loss late last month, leaving Bailey Williams and forward-ruck Archer Reid to try to curtail the influence of seven-time All-Australian Gawn at Marvel Stadium in an 83-point thumping.
The 27-year-old Eagle instead found himself slugging it out in muddy conditions at Sullivan Logistics Stadium against ex-Docker and East Perth bigman Scott Jones as he pushes for an immediate recall.
Flynn put his hand up to take on ladder-leaders Adelaide at Optus Stadium this Sunday with 24 disposals, 30 hit-outs and five clearances.
'It was obviously disappointing. Initially emotions run high in that situation, but I got some good feedback from the coaches and some clear instructions. I put that to use,' he told The West Australian.
'I know my role at the club in this group is to be a leader and I came back to that today in the WAFL against East Perth and tried to put that into practice.
'The coaching staff is positive and there's some work to my game. But as a whole, it is positive stuff to action.
'There wasn't too many negatives or work-ons to worry about in that sense. A little bit of match-up stuff and it was more that good team balance.'
Flynn has played a career-high 15 games this season, but he isn't satisfied with just getting a regular game at the struggling Eagles.
'I wouldn't say I am happy with my season in that sense. I've got a lot of improvement to do but I am viewing it in a positive light that I've been able to play 15 games,' he said.
'To be able grow my game week-on-week is something I've been happy with.
'I'm trying to develop and be a bit of a leader and a voice for the playing group. I am happy to be making that my focus.
'I wouldn't say I am happy with my season but there's been some positive spins.'
West Coast as a club are struggling on field. They lost by a combined 152 points on Saturday across the AFL and WAFL.
They are likely to finish last in both leagues and they are on track for a club low one-win AFL season.
Despite the dismal results, Flynn said they could turn things around quickly, pointing to his time at Greater Western Sydney as proof of how results can change.
'I was at the Giants, we were 15th on the ladder and (coach) Adam Kinglsey came in and everyone bought in, and it changed pretty quick,' he said.
'It's going to take a lot of effort and a lot of desire to get better which I am seeing from a lot of the young boys.'
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