Adam Simpson called out over Harley Reid move as calls grow for decision on West Coast coach
Simpson appeared to have no answers for the Demons' onslaught on Sunday.
West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson has been torched for having a lack of a game plan as pressure continues to mount on the under-fire coach following a 54-point thrashing at the hands of Melbourne. Simpson was desperate to see a strong on-field response after reports emerged last week that three players had expressed their desire for a coaching change in a leaked chain of text messages.
But the Eagles offered very little on Sunday as they were unable to contain an early Demons onslaught and trailed by 37 points at quarter-time before limping to a 17.10 (112) to 8.10 (58) defeat at the MCG. The Eagles have now lost 56 of their last 65 games, by an average of eight goals.
And despite showing signs of improvement at the start of 2024, the defeat to the Demons showed they are still well behind the eight ball. It also shed a bad light on the coach, who was forewarned about the Demons targeting midfield sensation Harley Reid. But Simpson appeared to have no answer on how to counteract it as Reid was played out of the game by a well-drilled and prepared Demons outfit.
Earlier this season Reid starred for West Coast as they pulled off a massive round 10 upset over Melbourne, racking up 21 disposals, seven clearances, two goals and three score assists in a barnstorming display. As well as those incredible stats for the rookie, in a goal-of-the-year contender he burned off Christian Petracca with an insane turn of foot before taking three bounces to kick one of his majors. Reid also consistently got the better of both Petracca and Clayton Oliver in what was one of the best performances of the 2024 AFL season.
So ahead of Sunday's rematch, Goodwin warned that his side had come up with a specialised plan to shut down the rookie and that is exactly what they did. "He showed us last time what he's capable of to a really high level. So there's no doubt we'll be prepared for Harley Reid," Goodwin said on Thursday.
Reid finished with an underwhelming 16 disposals, seven tackles and four clearances. The Eagles' midfield was overrun from the outset and their 54-point defeat followed a horror show the week prior in their 61-point home loss to Hawthorn.
The performance only provided further ammunition to West Coast players who are reportedly pushing for new leadership to help make the club AFL contenders. Last week text messages were uncovered from three players to people outside the club declaring they want a new man in charge at the embattled Eagles, expressing that they believe they need a "fresh voice". And Sunday's dismal display against Melbourne is likely to only reinforce that belief.
But it isn't just the playing group that is growing frustrated with Simpson, with Eagles fans fed up after the performance against the Demons, airing their grievances online. While the overall team performance was hammered, Simpson's failure to protect Reid despite being forewarned he would be targeted had fans calling for the coach to be sacked immediately.
The way Harley Reid is being used blows my mind. Goodwin said they’d go after him, he got no protection from team mates or the coach. Why not throw him out on the wing or half back and use him with some outside ball. His kicking and ball use is elite, why not try something…
— Ben Nexhip (@ben_nexhip) July 7, 2024
Lemme guess, tHe SeCoNd HaLf ShOwEd PrOmIsE so Simmo stays 🤦♂️
— Americans Watching The Footy (@AmericansFooty) July 7, 2024
How about providing some protection for a 19 year old who the opposition had stated they will deliberate target? How about making some changes so that mediocre players don’t rise out of irrelevance for a week to kick a bag against us, then disappear for the rest of the season?
— Captain Wacky 💛❤️💙🤍 (@DFarrik) July 7, 2024
Disgraceful performance, back to 2022/23 levels. Lack of energy, enthusiasm and work-rate was once again obvious. Adam Simpson just has to go
— James van der lugt (@Malinga89) July 7, 2024
How long is gonna go on for ?? Disappointing performance yet again. Do management ever take note of the fans thoughts ?? Seriously make a change already.
— Tim Haddrill (@tim_haddrill) July 7, 2024
Is this Simpsons last game & the game Reid decides he’s not signing any contract extension? #AFLDemonsEagles
— Cam (@TheMayorOfSingo) July 7, 2024
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Adam Simpson's West Coast future hanging by a thread
While the 48-year-old's contract runs until the end of 2025, a poor end to this season could spell the end of his 11-year reign. And speaking after the Melbourne loss, the coach revealed he is comfortable and aware that his time in the game will not last forever.
"I'm here to do a job as best I can and I'll do that until I get tapped on the shoulder," Simpson said. "That's not really a question. I know how long the road's going to be and I'm up for it, but if the club's not then they're not.
"It's going to be up and down, the last few weeks have been down. It doesn't mean all hope is lost. We can't ride that wave. Whether it's me or someone else, it's going to take time. I sort of know how long the road is going to be. I'm up for it, but if the club's not, then they're not. That's fine. I'm okay with my football mortality. It's OK."
Leigh Matthews believes West Coast need a fresh start
Football legend Leigh Matthews believes that despite a strong start to 2024, the team needs a fresh start and that means a new leader. "If you lose enough, eventually it hits the fan and it is time for a new voice. You think the Eagles are approaching that, whether it's at the end of the year or whether it's now," Matthews said.
"In footy, a new coach is the fresh start." Simpson still has close to 18 months left on his contract.
with AAP
