It is not physical ability which separates the West Coast Eagles from the Fremantle Dockers. Man for man, they are every bit as good physically.
The leader sets the tone for the mental approach, and Ross Lyon has a considerable lead on his fellow AFL coaches in that area.
Adam Simpson has inherited a bunch of kids coming back from John Worsfold’s methodology as well as some of the habits that pervaded the Eagles prior to Worsfold.
What I noticed in the 65-point win over the Bulldogs is that Simpson has his work cut out.
Many of the players looked like they were taking something of a loose, undisciplined approach at times to their footy against the Bulldogs. Maybe they were just happy to blot out last season’s dismal efforts, get some colour back in their game and enjoy that experience.
It’s fine to kick butt against teams in the bottom half, but to prepare mentally for systems that bring results on the park requires discipline and self control, especially for example setters like Dean Cox and Darren Glass.
The Eagles got very used to the celebrity mentality where every player became a local hero in the early 2000s.
Some players deal with success and the limelight generally very well. Others are easily led down the wrong path.
Like the Perth Glory, who have four or five players who roll up and take Tony Sage’s money with relish but never give 110 per cent, the Eagles are in danger of another under-achieving season if they fall into the complacency trap.
In the case of the Glory, again the coach must set the tone, and frankly Kenny Lowe doesn’t appear up to it.
Simpson is a new boy to the Eagles. The culture, especially in the front office, has been altered in a positive way by management since the bad old days.
However, in order for the Eagles to get back to the top, Simpson will need to bring about cultural change within the playing group.
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