Essendon forward Nate Caddy has disclosed that teammate Ben McKay had blocked Sullivan Robey on Instagram before Robey joined the club. Robey, a lifelong Essendon supporter, was drafted with pick No.9 in last year's draft and has impressed in 10 senior games, earning a Rising Star nomination.
Awkward Social Media Encounter
Speaking on Nine's Players, Caddy explained how the situation unfolded. After Essendon's only win of the season in Gather Round, McKay tried to look up Robey on Instagram but couldn't find him. Robey, in turn, couldn't find McKay either. It turned out McKay had blocked Robey after receiving an abusive message from him before Robey was drafted.
"Before he was drafted, Sully clearly wasn't happy with the way that Buckets (McKay) had been playing and told him. And he's gone and sent him an abusive message. Buckets has seen it, blocked it and then he's gotten drafted to Essendon," Caddy said.
McKay's Reaction
McKay, who joined Essendon from North Melbourne on a big-money deal at the end of 2023, quickly unblocked Robey after the discovery and left a comment on his post: "Naww your so cute." Caddy noted that McKay took the situation in good spirits. "Luckily Buckets is a good sport about him. He said I could air this story," Caddy added with a laugh.
No Lingering Bad Blood
The incident has not affected the pair's relationship, with McKay laughing off the situation. Robey has continued to perform well for the Bombers, while McKay has recently been deployed as a forward after struggling to meet expectations as a key defender.
