West Coast coach Adam Simpson hopes his resolution to relegate Andrew Gaff to the sub position for Sunday’s conflict with Richmond will assist the out-of-form wingman regain his mojo.
There have been big requires Gaff to be dropped to the WAFL this week after the two-time All-Australian tallied simply six disposals in final Saturday’s 81-point loss to Brisbane on the Gabba.
It continued a exceptional fall from grace for Gaff, who remains to be one among West Coast’s highest-paid gamers however has been a shadow of himself this 12 months.
Instead of dropping Gaff to the WAFL, Simpson is giving the 31-year-old one other probability at AFL degree – albeit it because the sub.
When requested whether or not Gaff may return to the participant he as soon as was, Simpson replied: “Absolutely, yeah.
“He’s working so hard on all that so. We’ve still got a lot of faith. Gaffy will be the sub this week. We’ll pull that lever to try and help him get back into a bit of form.
“You guys are going to treat this like the biggest thing in the world. It’s just part of what players go through in their careers, and it happens across the competition.”
In his previous 4 matches Gaff has posted possession tallies of 16, 13, 21 and 6. It’s a far cry from his profession common of 26 possessions per recreation.
Gaff’s penchant to kick sideways or backwards this 12 months has additionally been an enormous speaking level.
Simpson believes the aspect’s poor type has performed an enormous position in Gaff’s diminished output.
“The way we’re playing if you’re an outside player it’s going to be pretty difficult to contribute,” Simpson mentioned.
“He’s done everything he can to get the best out of himself throughout his whole career.
“Even in the off-season he came back super fit, fully committed. And he’s desperate to play well, so he’s doing everything he can.
“It’s just not coming together on game day. And I suspect part of it’s the way we’re playing. But there’s also some confidence that we’re trying to rebuild.”
West Coast will welcome again captain Luke Shuey and defender Shannon Hurn in opposition to the Tigers in an enormous enhance to their hopes of ending a club-record 14-match shedding streak.
Jake Waterman, who spent greater than every week in hospital final month after being recognized with ulcerative colitis, made an look on the coaching monitor earlier this week in a heartening second.
“It’s a long road back,” Simpson mentioned of Waterman, who’s unlikely to play once more this 12 months.
“He’s still got a bit of weight to put on. So it’s not really about footy at the moment, it’s just about getting healthy.”
Meanwhile, Richmond key ahead Tom Lynch could have extra surgical procedure on the foot fracture that has stored him sidelined since spherical 4.
It confirms the Tigers reigning finest and fairest won’t play once more this season.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
