West Coast coach Adam Simpson expressed that the club had regressed after suffering a 99-point defeat at the hands of Adelaide on Sunday.
“We were really disappointed,” Simpson said after the game. “The way we started was indicative of the game. And once you give a side like Adelaide, playing at home, a start like that, it’s very hard to peg it back, especially where we’re at at the moment.”
“We took a step back today. Our inability to defend as a team really hurt us… and then the floodgates opened.”
Reflecting on their season so far, Simpson noted that despite exceeding expectations, particularly at Optus Stadium, their away form has been inconsistent.
Campbell Chesser hunted him down 😤#AFLCrowsEagles pic.twitter.com/kh72JLdIEI
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“It’s pretty inconsistent, our home versus away form,” Simpson added. “We put a spotlight on our form when we travel and clearly it didn’t work. We just looked lethargic when we started the game. And there’s no excuse for that, so we got to own it.”
Simpson did find positives in some individual performances, particularly praising younger players like Bailey Williams, Jamaine Jones, and Harley Reid.
“I don’t think we rolled over, I just think we got outplayed,” Simpson admitted. “Some individuals did a pretty good job. But collectively, that’s (the disappointing) bit.”
“When we play, we play as one and it didn’t look like that tonight.”
Overall, Simpson acknowledged the need for the team to mature and improve collectively moving forward.
