Essendon veteran David Myers made the selfless decision to drop himself in a bid to give the club's younger talents more time at AFL level, according to AFL.com.au.
It is understood that the 29-year-old spoke to coach John Worsfold shortly after the drama-filled narrow loss to Sydney in Round 8.
Myers believed that he was stuck in a form slump and that heading back to the VFL would be a win-win situation.
This decision came as a bit of a shock, as Myers, a member of the Bombers' leadership group, was keen to see the younger generation of players such as Parish, McGrath and Clarke get more experience and opportunities as they continue to develop.
Myers has responded brilliantly to his own harsh criticism, resulting in him averaging 27 touches and two goals in the past three weeks, since placing himself in the VFL.
His response to his own demotion doesn't stop there, with the natural leader continually helping the more inexperienced and younger players at state level with their own games.
Speculation still circles Myers as to when he'll return to the senior side or if at all.
The veteran's future is unclear, given that he comes out of contract at the end of this season.
Myers mentioned after last week's game that his focus is on helping the younger guys come through the ranks, in hope that he sees the Bombers improve as well.
"My role back here is to help these young guys and teach them how to play. I'm really enjoying watching their development," Myers told Channel Seven.
"[I'm] at a later stage of my career, I'm nearly at the end, and it really gives me a sense of enjoyment to watch them come along. They're helping me a lot and I'm really enjoying it."
The lack of impact Myers was having on games drove the decision to move to VFL, given he only hit the 20-touches mark once in the six games he has played this season.
His games against the Pies and the Swans were nothing short of disappointing as he only managed 14 and 11 touches in those matches, including a shot after-the-siren against Sydney to win the game that fell short.
Since Myers' omission, Darcy Parish has seen increased midfield time which has resulted in him being in some of the best form of his career, whilst McGrath, Clarke and Guelfi have also been put through there.
As a top 10 pick in the 2007 Draft, Myers has only managed to play 122 games to this date as injuries have put him on the sidelines.
He also sat out 2016 with 33 other players as the WADA imposed season-long bans due to using prohibited substances.
Despite what some may say, Myers still has a bit to give and that was highlighted by his 2018 season, as he was named the Bombers' most improved player.
He averaged 20 disposals and around five clearances a game, proving he can still be a valuable member in the Essendon line-up.
