With West Coast’s season on pause due to the bye and the buzz around Harley Reid subdued by his suspension, it’s clear that Adam Simpson is back under pressure.
The Eagles, while not as disastrous as last season, remain near the bottom of the ladder with only three wins. A fan reacts during the round 13 match between West Coast and the Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on June 8. Looking ahead, West Coast has only one winnable game left against North Melbourne in round 22. However, considering the Roos have won four of their last five matches against the Eagles, a win is far from certain.
The recent match against the Kangaroos, where West Coast struggled for three quarters, was particularly concerning given the Roos hadn’t won a game all season and typically lost by an average of 52 points.
If the Eagles fail to secure another win this season, they face the real possibility of consecutive wooden spoons for the first time in their history, likely signaling the end for Simpson.
Not long ago, many predicted the 2018 premiership coach’s departure. How he survived last year with only three wins and multiple 100-plus point losses is a testament to his resilience.
When Simpson does eventually leave, his survival skills would make him an ideal contestant for Alone Australia, given his ability to navigate the tough AFL environment.
Reid’s impressive performances have temporarily shifted focus away from Simpson’s future. However, the 99-point loss to the Crows in round 10 had a familiar 2023 feel. Despite the loss, Simpson confidently downplayed concerns, emphasizing home game performance as the key.
Unfortunately, their recent form against St Kilda and North Melbourne suggests little improvement from last year, hinting that the Eagles might end with a similar number of wins.
Simpson may need to update his LinkedIn profile soon. His winning record has dropped to just under 51 percent from a high of 75 percent during the premiership year.
The Eagles have only secured eight wins in their last 59 games—a record that would be unacceptable for any team, let alone a historically successful one like West Coast.
Injuries can no longer be blamed, as the Eagles currently have one of the healthiest lists in the AFL. Notable players like Jeremy McGovern and Jake Waterman have been standouts, while Elliot Yeo’s future remains uncertain due to ongoing injuries.
Despite some promising young players like Reuben Ginbey and Brady Hough, the team is still reliant on aging veterans whose performance has declined.
The Eagles’ final game against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, where they have lost by an average of 80 points in their last three visits, could be the last straw for Simpson if they don’t improve.
Without the distraction of Reid’s brilliance, it’s evident that the Eagles aren’t progressing, and Simpson’s tenure might be nearing its end.
