Normally our club is good at coming out and saying this. If true by hiding it they have thrown Scott and selection committee under the bus. Why would they hide it?
Because they always cover for our players. They would rather take the hit and show the players that they are supported 100%.
This has been the case for a long time. Mots and Blitz and Guthrie were very much protected by the coach and MC. Personally, I think this is good and demonstrates care, loyalty and faith, but others here have different opinions where they want players to be dropped or publicly shamed, because they should be accountable for their own performances as they are highly paid athletes with the world at their feet. Both arguments have merit. You should be aware of what support is required for a player to perform optimally, but coddle them too much and they may happily underperform, knowing that they are safe.
Also, it would be a terrible distraction for the club to constantly have to field questions about Menzel during that week up to first final (not that our performance was any better because of this). It also tarnishes Menzel's image, which has been very carefully built up and marketed as ultra-professional and someone who doesn't let things distract him on his journey to his goal.
I would also expect the Menzel would be very grateful to the coach and also very embarrassed that he let his teammates down at a crucial time. His strong hands along the wings may have been the difference, allowing better inside 50's to Taylor AND Hawkins. Rance gave Taylor a bath because he was able to be one on one with the ball dropped on Taylors head and because the other threatening inside 50 targets were up the field taking marks or out of the team due to disciplinary reasons.