It is difficult to think about an AFL coach below extra stress than what Adam Simpson is going through at West Coast.
One of the proudest and most profitable golf equipment within the competitors because it joined the fold again in 1987, the Eagles are placing the ending touches on their worst season ever.
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Two wins from 22 matches, 5 losses by over 100 factors and a 101-point annihilation in opposition to arch rival and child brother Fremantle final week underline the wretched marketing campaign below Simpson.
While Simpson did lead the Eagles to their fourth premiership again in 2018, the membership has been in free fall since and can quickly file solely the second picket spoon in its historical past, barring a miracle within the last two matches in opposition to the Bulldogs and Crows.
The Eagles additionally gained simply two video games final season below Simpson to complete 4.8 proportion factors above last-placed North Melbourne.
It has left Simpson in a dreadful place as hypothesis over his future has mounted, however he fronted the media on Friday to insist all is nicely between himself and chief government Trevor Nisbett, who can also be under-fire from supporters for the membership’s present mess.
“I’m really tight with ‘Niz’,” Simpson stated. “I’ve got nothing but appreciation for what he’s done for me and for the footy club.
“I know the footy department is working through some pretty big issues.
“But the club itself and what they’ve achieved in my time here has been outstanding and he’s the alpha male. He’s the guy who has been leading the whole thing.
“So I’m really surprised when there’s questions asked about Trev and what he’s done for us and what he’ll continue to do. We’re absolutely fine.”
The Eagles have lengthy been the darling of the West Australian public and media, however native newspaper The West Australian has nicely and actually turned on the membership.
The paper’s again web page on Friday had the headline ‘The Eagles Flying Circus’ with Nisbett, chairman Paul Fitzpatrick and Eddie McGuire all depicted in clown costumes, together with a photoshop-free Simpson.
There can also be a multimillion-dollar drawback going through the Eagles, who could be subjected to a significant payout in the event that they terminate Simpson’s contract which runs by means of the tip of 2025.
But former Collingwood president McGuire spoke out in regards to the membership this week, saying the “the broom is going through the West Coast Eagles” and “they’ve got more money than God” on Nine’s Footy Classified.
To his credit score, Simpson has dealt with the scenario terribly nicely, insisting he’s right here for the combat to show the membership round and has no intention of strolling away.
The 47-year-old did concede, nonetheless, he would recognize some readability on his place past this season.
“I’m not stamping my feet, but getting some clarity around that is what I’m looking for,” he stated.
“I do understand that decisions are made and changes happen sometimes.
“I’m not in despair. I’m not angry. There’s no split. I’m absolutely hands-on.
“We had a two-and-a-half hour meeting on list management two nights ago. Nothing has changed.
“Once we get clarity about the future we can double down or we can pull back.”
Source: www.news.com.au
