West Coast coach Adam Simpson is adamant the results of Sunday’s AFL conflict with the Western Bulldogs will not make-or-break his probabilities of maintaining his job.
Simpson is contracted till the tip of 2025, however his place is in big doubt following final week’s 101-point loss to arch rivals Fremantle.
It marked the fifth time this season West Coast had misplaced by greater than 100 factors, and Simpson faces a nervous wait to see if the board will proceed to again him.
An enormous loss to the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium may have a disastrous impact on Simpson’s possibilities.
But the 2018 premiership coach says the membership is unified in doing no matter they’ll to quick observe the rebuild.
“We’re working towards something longer term,” Simpson stated.
“Whether a win comes this week, it won’t really determine my role. There’s a bigger picture at play.
“We’re wanting on the future, and transitioning from the previous.”
Champion trio Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn and Nic Naitanui have already announced their retirements.
Shuey and Hurn will play their farewell games against Adelaide next week, and there’s a groundswell of support for Simpson to be afforded a send-off as well if West Coast’s board decide he isn’t the man to lead them into 2024.
Simpson is determined to lead the club through its rebuild, but warned there was more pain to come given the demographic of the list will continue to veer towards youth.
The Bulldogs (11-10) entered the round clinging to eighth spot, and they might need to beat both West Coast and Geelong in the final two rounds to clinch a finals berth.
It means they will be hungry for a percentage-boosting win against the Eagles.
West Coast conceded 17 consecutive goals against the Dockers last week, and Simpson wants to see his team rebound from that disappointment.
“We must be higher than final week,” Simpson stated.
“The first quarter-hour we appeared up for the struggle, after which we did not reply in any respect.”
Eagles forward Oscar Allen, who is battling a sore shoulder and elbow, has been named in the side after overcoming illness earlier in the week.
“His arm is okay,” Simpson stated.
“He’s going to want a break on the finish of the yr for certain. We’ve received to show him how one can land correctly.”
West Coast have recalled forwards Jack Petrucelle and Ryan Maric at the expense of Xavier O’Neill and defender Luke Foley.
The Dogs have misplaced Tom Liberatore to concussion, however Anthony Scott returns from his personal head knock.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
