COLLINGWOOD is staunchly backing Josh Fraser with the under-fire ruckman receiving a barrage of criticism after Saturday's loss to Essendon.

With opponent Patrick Ryder picking up the Anzac Medal as the best player on the ground, some commentators have turned their attention to Fraser.

Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas, now a commentator with Melbourne radio station SEN, has been the most vocal in his assessment of the 27-year-old's performance.

Thomas was particularly scathing of the Pie's attack on the ball following an incident in the opening minutes of Saturday’s game.

He said he saw Fraser "dog it" after Essendon's David Hille tried to initiate contact when the ball was in dispute.

But Collingwood assistant coach Brad Scott has defended his man and told him to cast aside Thomas' criticism.

"I’ve said to Josh, 'You play high-level sport then you expect criticism at some stage'," Scott told collingwoodfc.com.au.

"Grant Thomas is a respected ex-coach who’s entitled to his opinion. You know, it’s not one I happen to agree with, but the criticism that Josh has received he’s got to deal with and move on."

Scott said his vice-captain had enjoyed a great start to the 2009 season and, while Ryder stepped up after Hille injured himself in the opening quarter, Fraser wasn't as bad as what some were making out.

"We thought Patrick Ryder did an outstanding job in breaking even with Josh," Scott said.

"He tackled extremely well, he came in as a pinch-hitter and played some exceptional football but on every measure apart from tackling, he [only] broke even with Josh.

"Unfortunately the standards Josh has set for himself over the last month, everyone expects him to be best on ground every week."

Earlier in the day, Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh went a step further, hitting out at what he labelled a "personal attack" from Thomas.

"I suppose if he is speaking about players 'dogging it', he is amply qualified, but that's another matter," Walsh said.

Speaking on SEN on Tuesday morning, Walsh supported Fraser and questioned the motive behind Thomas' comments.

"I don't think anyone here would agree with it," Walsh said.

"Grant has now entered a world where there is plenty of competition.

"I suppose he's got to establish himself as someone who will say something controversial. Whether it's accurate or not becomes irrelevant in the end."