Outspoken former AFL star Jason Akermanis says public criticism from players should be viewed by teams as a chance to improve, insisting fining players for speaking honestly only leads to resentment.

Canberra fined prop David Shillington an undisclosed amount for breaching the club's media policy on Friday for criticising the club's management of sacked stars Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson.

Punished: Canberra's David Shillington. Credit:Melissa Adams

They were also concerned about comments the players were rallying for former assistant Andrew Dunemann over newly appointed coach Ricky Stuart. Akermanis, notorious for controversial media remarks during his career, said stopping players from speaking their minds was ''bizarre''.

''I couldn't understand what was wrong with what he said in any way, shape or form,'' Akermanis said. ''We go through this precious stage where we lose what we're after, which is a whole lot of truth and a whole lot of entertainment.