Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert has backed Nathan Buckley’s controversial AFL selection policies, saying senior players have been just as vocal as the coach in demanding everyone meets strict standards.

Buckley dropped premiership defender Heath Shaw for the round-nine clash with Sydney on May 24 for not meeting skinfold targets, prompting criticism from ex-players.

Andrew Krakouer was left out of the side for Monday’s round-11 game against Melbourne at the MCG, although Pert said the forward had requested time off for family reasons and would be back at training on Tuesday.

“Andrew’s gone to Geoff Walsh, our head of football. He’s articulated he has some family issues he needs to deal with,” Pert said.

Pert said Buckley has his backing to continue to crack the whip to ensure his players meet high standards, but adds that senior players have also been strong critics of teammates when standards appear to slip.

“There’s times over a season where that (internal club issues) become a bit more public,” Pert told Triple-M Radio on Monday.

“There’s been a couple of more public examples where we’ve seen it.

“I couldn’t be more impressed with Bucks.

“He’s going to reward the behaviours that he wants to see in the team.

“It doesn’t matter who you are. If it’s your first game or if you’ve been there for 10 years, you’ll be dealt with.”

Pert denied angst was coming from dumped senior players towards Buckley.

“The angst is from the senior players about individuals who aren’t doing what they’re being asked,” Pert said.

“Players confront each other. They players are holding each other to account.”