West Coast Eagles chairman Paul Fitzpatrick has addressed speculation around the future of coach Adam Simpson after the club suffered its heaviest defeat ever against Sydney.
The Eagles were thumped 31.19 (205) to 5.4 (34) at the SCG in one of the “darkest days” for the club, as described by Fitzpatrick.
Simpson has referenced the side’s horror injury toll throughout the season as part of the reason behind his side’s 1-13 record.
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The coach has been under heavy criticism for the side’s lack of effort but has support in the right place.
“Obviously Adam Simpson and his coaching staff have been limited with what they can do with such a long injury list, but regardless, we cannot tolerate performances of that nature and we expect a strong response against St Kilda next Sunday,” Fitzpatrick said in a club statement.
“We do have faith that Adam can take this team forward and we also believe in the path we need to take to fight our way back.
“It will take time because the long-term strategy revolves around bringing in more high-end young talent through the draft to lay solid foundations for the next era.”
The chairman went on to criticise his club’s senior players for their performances.
Swans raise the bat
“It is important to get games into young players and fast-track their development,” he said.
“We had nine players under the age of 21 take the field against the Swans and we expect them to be very good AFL players.
“But we need our senior players to set a better example for them. With a couple of exceptions many of the experienced players were well down yesterday.”
Heeney flies high
Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd pointed out on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show the inability of veterans Dom Sheed and Luke Shuey to push for a mark in the second quarter.
Isaac Heeney went on to kick a goal as the Swans capitalised on a clearance.
”That’s how low it’s got to,” Lloyd said.
“I know it’s a lack of confidence and you become paralysed as a player when you’re feeling that way, but that is where you get disappointment in each other, and you conceded 30 goals.”
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