ROSS Lyon says Fremantle will review its free agency recruiting after the Dockers banished out-of-shape midfielder Colin Sylvia to WAFL club Peel Thunder.
In an exclusive interview with AFL.com.au, Lyon revealed Sylvia was exiled following a poor performance in a 3km time-trial on Thursday.
"From the time Col came through the door off his break he's the first to admit he rolled up in poor condition and hadn't done the work," Lyon said.
"From that period we supported Colin, mapped out programs, gave him every resource and again, to cut a long story short, he came back in really poor condition again.
"He wasn't able to complete the first time-trial when he arrived and 12 months later off the eight-week break (this pre-season) he still couldn't … well, he completed it but at the bottom end of the list.
"Then post-Christmas he was unable to complete it. So we wrapped some parameters around for Col and gave him some skin-folds and times that he needed to meet and there was plenty of time to do that.
"We had the 3km time-trial yesterday (Thursday) and it was really – for where he's at – it wasn't at a level."
It's the latest episode in a chequered career for the 29-year-old, who the Dockers signed as an unrestricted free agent from Melbourne on a three-year, $1 million deal in October 2013.
Lyon said the club would now review its free agency identification and decision-making.
"It's such an important aspect of building your list, so you need to get it right," he said.
"To this point it hasn't worked. That's not to say it can't work."
Colin Sylvia watches on as teammate Chris Mayne lifts weights. Picture AFL Media
Sylvia was Fremantle's second free agency recruit – after Danyle Pearce in 2012 – but the wayward midfielder only managed six games in his first season.
It was recently reported the Dockers were growing increasingly frustrated by Sylvia's slow recovery from ankle surgery in November and the on-baller had yet to resume full training.
The ball is now in the 163-game veteran's court, with no time frame set for his return to AFL ranks.
"He has to get himself in AFL midfield running condition. By his own admission over Christmas he didn't run and really enjoyed himself immensely over the break and came back in poor condition," Lyon said.
"So he just needs more time to get to the condition that the rest of the group's in.
"It's up to Col really when he's back. There's no time frame on it."
Sylvia, who was the third pick in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft, has been dogged by controversy for much of his career.
Included on his rap sheet was a suspension and $5000 fine in 2008 for failing to attend a compulsory training session, two years after he appeared in court and was placed on a 12-month order relating to an alleged assault of his then girlfriend.
Before Sylvia had made his debut he was chastised by Lyon for "a lack of discipline" when he was suspended for two matches for striking in the WAFL last April.
The Dockers boss said he was disappointed the ex-Demon had not grabbed his second chance at an AFL club.
"I see possibility in all our players, but possibility and aspiration is brought to life by backing up with hard work and action," Lyon said.
"I still see possibility in Colin but it needs to be backed up with consistent action day-in and day-out.
"There's always some disappointment when people aren't fulfilling on their possibilities."
