West Coast are in grave hazard of setting a brand new membership document for consecutive losses this weekend, and coach Adam Simpson concedes the unforgiving historical past books will not care in regards to the explanation why.
The Eagles’ present nine-match shedding run is the equal worst within the membership’s 37-year historical past.
Damningly, West Coast have posted three nine-match shedding runs over the previous two years – highlighting the damage curse the membership has endured over that interval.
The Eagles should beat ladder leaders Collingwood in Perth on Saturday night time so as to keep away from recording a tenth straight defeat.
But with stars reminiscent of Luke Shuey, Jeremy McGovern, Nic Naitanui, Jamie Cripps, Liam Ryan Jack Darling and Tom Cole nonetheless amongst a 13-man damage checklist, West Coast will begin as rank underdogs.
“I don’t like losing. It’s not a great feeling,” Simpson instructed reporters on Friday.
“But it is what it is. As much as I say we can’t control it (whether we set a new losing record), of course we can. We can control it by winning.
“But the circumstances of which we have been working below has been fairly difficult. The historical past books will not care.”
Despite all the odds being stacked against his side, Simpson isn’t giving up hope of guiding the Eagles to a brave victory.
“I am going into each sport considering – and I’m certain our gamers do – that we’re an opportunity right here, and that is how I really feel this week,” Simpson stated.
“Effort is a non negotiable, be as aggressive as we are able to, and also you by no means know. What will probably be will probably be.”
Collingwood (10-1) will be aiming to post their eighth consecutive victory, and they’ve handed a debut to 19-year-old forward Harvey Harrison.
Billy Frampton returns from a groin injury, but Steele Sidebottom (knee) and Jamie Elliott (shoulder) have been ruled out.
For West Coast, Shuey is set to return for next week’s clash with Adelaide, while Darling and McGovern could be ready to go straight after the bye.
Cripps, Cole and Ryan are on track to return in six to eight weeks, but Naitanui’s timeline is more uncertain.
Naitanui has been sidelined for the entire season due to an Achilles tendon issue, and he has been listed as being 6-7 weeks away on the club’s injury list for the past three weeks.
“It’s been gradual going. We have not gotten over the hurdle that it’s a must to recover from to get to the following part,” Simpson stated.
“I suppose you’ll be able to name {that a} setback. It’s simply not attending to the following degree.
“That’s why it’s hard to give you a timeline.
“Until he will get over this piece, we won’t transfer ahead.”
Naitanui has performed simply 67 video games since 2016, with that horror run together with two knee reconstructions.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
