Schlanger sends Pan Pacs swim message

A clear message was sent by disgruntled Australian relay swimmer Melanie Schlanger on Thursday at the Pan Pacific championships - in and out of the pool - on the Gold Coast.

But Australian head coach Jacco Verhaeren reckons he did not receive it, again baulking at guaranteeing the snubbed Glasgow Commonwealth Games swimmer a 4x200m relay berth.

Schlanger was embroiled in controversy at the Glasgow Games when she clashed with coaches and officials when left out of the 4x200m relay team despite blistering form.

She again stated a strong case at the Pan Pacs by being the fastest Australian qualifier - and second quickest overall - for the 200m final, ensuring reigning Commonwealth champion Emma McKeon missed the cut.

And she backed up to narrowly miss out on a medal, clocking the fourth fastest final time (1:57.39) behind teammate and silver medallist Bronte Barratt (1:57.22).

The message sent in the pool was loud enough but Schlanger still felt compelled to ram the point home, post-final.

"Time will tell - I have learned not to expect anything," said Schlanger when asked about her 4x200m relay Pan Pacs chances.

"I haven't heard anything. I am not sure.

"It is in the coach's hands.

"Sometimes logic doesn't prevail so I just don't know."

Yet Verhaeren claimed he could not guarantee her a spot for Friday's 4x200m relay.

"We will see tomorrow," he said.

Asked if Schlanger's performance on Thursday justified her Glasgow objections, Verhaeren said: "No. But she is showing great shape as she did in the Comm Games."

Asked if he felt Schlanger had sent a message, Verhaeren laughed: "That's a good one.

"I didn't get a message but all athletes are here to race to the best of their abilities."

But Verhaeren could feel for McKeon, who was almost two seconds slower than her Games record 1:55.57 at Glasgow.

"For her, it's a good lesson," he said.