Not sure I recall him ever being dumped to the seconds? Regardless Id imagine the coaches philosophy is a simple one......in a team getting smashed by 50 points does he deserve his spot and who takes it if he doesnt? If theres a better choice then regardless of how many games the guy has played if hasnt earnt it then replace him.
yeah i remember him being dropped, and coming back and kicking 3 goals against GWS in Sydney the following week (I was at the game) but gee that was a long time ago now.