If Adam Simpson has learned anything in the past couple of days it is that perception means a lot in football.
The unflappable nature of the West Coast coach has been a hallmark of his four-year tenure in Perth and so a flustered and breathy press conference after the weekend’s fade-out loss to Collingwood was perhaps even more meaningful than the actual words he spoke.
It was a first public clue that his side’s slide from premiership candidates to also-rans had stolen away Simpson’s usual considered self.
For that he hardly deserves ridicule – it revealed a man who was hurting and who deeply cares – but for those paid to provide off-the-shelf criticism it was the cue card to pile in.
And pile in they have.
Most of it has been unhelpful highlighted by unedifying suggestions that Simpson’s ‘nice guy’ persona is incompatible to success.
Those inclined to believe such heavy-fingered venting should probably avoid reading the career highlights section on Simpson’s Wikipedia page. They should certainly not look up a bloke called Roger Federer.
Amid the throwaway punditry and headline grabbing a fair chunk of the criticism has, however, been hard to dismiss.
When Jack Darling opted to run down the shot clock in the very first minute of the last quarter, when he had a shot on the goal-line, the stage had been cast for a needlessly nervy final term and negative mindset.
(AAP Image/Joe Castro)
It is a recurring theme at West Coast too – remember Lewis Jetta against Melbourne – and even Josh Kennedy attempted some ill-advised time wasting against Collingwood in the last term before failing to register a score from 45 metres out.
West Coast were lucky to hold on in their previous two wins against Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs while in similar circumstances the fingernails broke off in defeats against Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast. Against Port Adelaide they caved in completely after being level at three-quarter time.
A lack of contested possession, of speed in their midfield or nous around the stoppages when it counted also contributed to defeat on Sunday.
The critics weren’t short of ammunition, perhaps too much for some, who ended up tossing the cannon balls overboard while still holding the lit match.
In the ensuing wave of criticism weighing down on Simpson, and his team, it is easy to lose confidence in what he is doing despite a reservoir of goodwill remaining.
Simpson has always been a reasoned straight-shooter, an admirable quality, and when the oft-repeated accusations of ‘Fast Track Bullies’ have been made he has always accepted his players and staff must take them on the chin and get better.
That those accusations have lingered through the 41-year-old’s tenure are probably a reflection of the Eagles’ inability to fix their away record as it is a lazy media line.
Arguably a more significant narrative has emerged during this season as a perceived lack of faith in youth, and perhaps poor drafting, has left the list looking too old to compete.
Again, Simpson has readily accepted these accusations albeit without promoting the likes of Luke Partington – who has become something of a poster boy among Eagles fans for the club’s lack of young players.
That is almost certainly an unfair pressure for a player who is yet to play an AFL game and one which probably sums up the corner West Coast have painted themselves into.
Simpson is in an unenviable position where he can no longer afford to rely on the older players who have flitted in and out of the team, but has not got enough games into his young players to fully trust them either.
(AAP Image/Tony McDonough)
Simpson hinted at that in the press conference after the Collingwood defeat, when he also pointedly suggested any inexperience among his players should be overcome by a “will to win”.
The line stood out as that understated Simpson-style ‘straight-shooting’ that fans have become accustomed to but, as finals drift out of the picture, there is an increasing perception that the time has come for such words to be turned into action on the field.
That captain Shannon Hurn repeated the platitudes in Monday’s press conference with suggestions the team needed to play ‘man’s footy’ – whatever that is – only served as a further reminder the time for talk is over when last-placed Brisbane come to town this Sunday.
But where confidence is low among West Coast fans it is arguable also that the club are no more than victims of unreasoned outside expectation. That they are achieving no more than their list capable of.
There is a short video doing the rounds on social media at present where a professor offers an insight in the principle of happiness.
As if to mock his audience’s ability to remember basic analogies the professor uses a half-full glass to convey that you’re more likely to be happy if you remain within your expectations of the water line.
It’s a strange motivational reminder to keep your ambitions low and let the good times roll.
It’s a pretty mundane outlook on existence but in the hot-stove of AFL expectation it is arguably not a bad piece of advice. Certainly it is from the same textbook that Fremantle boss Ross Lyon has expertly played his tune all season.
When Lyon proclaimed at the start of the season that the Dockers were still in a full rebuild that was the narrative set for the season.
Whichever way you want to perceive it, that is smart coaching – take the pressure off the players and your staff. Keep the heat out of the kitchen.
The proof has been in the pudding this week when, 24 hours after Fremantle pieced together one of the more insipid performances by a Perth club at Subiaco Oval, Lyon and his team were neatly side-stepping any fallout as the Eagles’ season came crashing down at Etihad Stadium.
Not because they played worse than Fremantle but only because they fell foul of that professor’s analogy after setting up residence above the water line.
Simpson has never been one to trumpet his side’s ambitions beyond the reasonable, but the Eagles began the season as a premiership fancy despite beginning it without their two first-choice ruckmen and a midfield that has pivoted on the fast-of-mind, slow-of-leg thirty-somethings Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell.
After the Western Bulldogs set the blueprint for the run-and-gun style that dominates the AFL right now, and the Eagles’ notorious fluctuating home-and-away form, their favouritism was hard to fathom.
For a club of West Coast’s stature, however, that expectation comes with the territory and it is a part of the job that Simpson is now fully being exposed to.
In a two-team town, where the press rides one horse far more closely than the other, managing that perception is critical.
Lyon is a master at it, a valuable trait guided by experience, and it should be remembered Simpson, at 41, is still learning his trade despite having already been to a grand final.
But where Lyon can afford to roll into his shell and rebuild – at a club where the fans are more willing to accept such notions having been starved of genuine success – West Coast is different because success has been enjoyed and now demanded.
(AAP Image/Tony McDonough)
Call it the strength of the club, or the needy weekend-whim of Eagles’ fans, but a win-now culture exists. It’s why they’ve been to 21 finals series in their 30-year history.
It also, however, explains why the bleating started in earnest this week once the threat of missing the finals became apparent.
If nothing else that will serve as a compass point for Simpson to navigate in the future if he does remain as Eagles coach, and an important rope to be learned for any new coach who might replace him.
For that reason it would appear counterintuitive for the Eagles to have any Simpson exist plan. Indeed, the club have built their success by backing their coaches.
Simpson is the Eagles’ sixth coach in their history. Only Mick Malthouse and John Worsfold have coached more games for the club and the faith shown in them was rewarded with premierships cups.
It is sensible to believe too that Fremantle are following that blueprint with Lyon and Nat Fyfe as a long-term coach-captain duo.
But if history says the Eagles will back Simpson the fact remains he still must overhaul those challenges that sit low over him.
The irony of the situation is that diving into a rebuild, and managing the expectations of West Coast’s demanding fans, might now be his only real option.
Don Freo
Guest
Supercoach is an almost comical representation of who is good. Champion Data has no access to coaching criteria. It has no concept of role play. An example is that Chris Mayne is a failure by any criterion. Yet, Freo misses his pressure up forward so much...so does Collingwood. How does Champion Data quantify the way Aaron Sandilands or Nic Nat create spaces and pathways for team mates? It never could record the way Zac Dawson spoiled to the advantage of his running defenders or got the ball out of bounds whenever Sandi was nearby to set up again. Champion Data quantifies probably less than half of footy's skills.
Dean.R
Guest
Hi Jolly, if you read my article again, I never said Priddis was elite. I said he was not quick and lacked speed, but had skills. I agree with you in that assessment of him. However as I have tried to explain in my reply to Don Freo, Shuey is not elite. The only player at the moment who stacks up as elite at West Coast is Yeo. Shuey is good, even an 'A' grade talent but not elite as yet. Please refer to Champion Data, or SuperCoach scores to properly assess an elite ball user compared to an 'A' grade ball user. There is a substantial difference.
Dean.R
Guest
Don Freo, Respectfully I don't want to argue with a fellow Dockers supporter, but I used to think like you when deciding who I thought was an elite player, an 'A' grade player or just a middle of the road player. That was until player statistics data became available to the public. If you assess scores like SuperCoach, or Champion Data, (which is used as a base model for SuperCoach scores), you get to see who really is elite. These scores award points according to how the ball is used, how accurate the disposals are, clearances, they differentiate between contested, and uncontested possessions, how many times the ball is delivered into a forward 50, and score involvements. By using these stats you get to compare a player who racks up 30 disposals but uses those disposals recklessly to someone who may only record 20 disposals, but makes each one of those disposals count. Point in case is someone like Daniel Rich who got a lot of the pill when he was in the middle but didn't use those possessions effectively compared to Dangerfield, who often may only get 18 possessions, but each one is damaging.
Don Freo
Guest
That's Champion Data...someone's attempt to quantify oponion. Watch him play and you'll see. I suspected you meant spine. Hurn is a flanker. The spine is Barrass, McGovern, Priddis, Darling, Kennedy. NicNat is a ruckman not a centreman. That's a really good spine nonetheless.
Dean.R
Guest
to clarify, I meant to say "spine", rather than centreline. A "spine" consisting of McGovern, Nic Nat, and Kennedy, is probably the best in the AFL. To be even more accurate their "spine" would be McGovern at FB, Hurn at CHB, Nic Nat at Ruck, Kennedy at CHF and Darling at FF. They just don't have an elite midfield. And My take on Shuey not being Elite, is just my opinion. but if you check any of the AFL scoring statistics, whether it be Champion Date, AFL Fantasy, or SuperCoach he isn't ranked an any of the top 20 midfielders.
Don Freo
Guest
Shuey is an elite talent. Constantly under rated. Don't get Dean's reference to a "centreline of McGovern".
Matt Somerford
Roar Rookie
A bit of sarcasm big man.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
As Dean R. above states....games are won and lost in the middle. The WCE have the backs and they have the forwards. They just need a midfield. Simpson and his coaching team have to be looking at getting some pace in the midfield this week. We are lucky we are facing the BL without Zorcho and Beams who is playing hurt. Beams only had 4 contested possessions last week so he won't be in and under trying to win any contested balls. So that might just give Pridda the opportunity to dominate the contested ball at the CBD and feed it out to Mitchell, Sheuy et al. But eventually Simpson will have to give Pridda a tap on the shoulder and say, Mat...........
Jolly Roger
Guest
Partington's issues are that while he racks up stats and can get goals, his disposal efficiency is not quite good enough yet, too many turnovers for AFL level, they say. But theres every chance we might see him over next few games? Disagree Dean R. - Priddis is not elite talent, his kicking disposal/efficiency lets him down, the Brownlow doesn't truly reflect the truth about Priddis, who actually admitted once he has a slight leg problem/handicap that affects his kicking-explains the helicopter thing. he worked flat out to be good at extraction and handball and tackles to compensate for this, but he's slow now, the game has overtaken him, and he seems at odds with Mitchell. But Shuey on the other hand IS an elite midfielder who cops a lot of attention, he has burst speed and kicks well - remember him being fed by NicNat? He just needs support, some other equally skilled back-up in the midfield, to share the heat and help out. Gaff is an elite runner/conveyor, but tends to avoid contested stuff, besides the opposition are shutting him down now more regularly- the Pies did a job on him.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Nice article, but: "It’s a strange motivational reminder to keep your ambitions low and let the good times roll." Don't you mean expectation, not ambition? Ambition should be high. Expectation should be tempered.
WCE
Roar Rookie
Every WCE fan wants to see another cup asap but sadly this year isn't it. There is a distinct lack of will and drive for some reason or maybe its together with the game plan. Who knows but Its a dam shame because although all players contribute to success it would be great for JK, bunga, Priddis etc..players who have been at the club for a while to have the medal around there neck. This is a great club of pride and success so it wont be outrageously long before we are back up there again. Try the kids or move them on right now and be ultra smart in the draft and it will come together.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Was a really interesting listen, was amused by the fact that take Petrie out of Sundays game and we were younger than collingwood, cannot stand the average age stat that gets rolled out as the avg age of WCE is 24yrs and 9 mths not exactly old.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Johno of wce is in better shape than freo and doesn't require a full rebuild. Freo on other hand did, we all know the names we would think wce will move on as well as the freo players but just stating the numbers but not the names doesn't tell full story.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Just listened to Simpsosn presso and yes, he does deserve some respect. He was very clear and direct and didn't shirk any questions. He also summed up the WCE season succinctly when he touched on two points. 1) the WCE are a totally different side without Nic Nat and Lycette on the park, and 2) They have let 4 games slip through their fingers this year COLL, GWS, MELB and the SUNS. Win those and the WCE are sitting top of the ladder with ADE. He also made a comment about Partington and stated that he is really close but there is more to football than possessions. So he alluded there is an issue or issues with other parts of Partington's game. but I get the feeling we might see him in the next two weeks.
Scott
Guest
I want 2 Yeo's. All their problems would be sorted. The Yeo-yeo effect
anon
Roar Pro
Rossy has won 11 of his last 40 games. One of those games he won when the Bulldogs tanked in round 23 last year. Four of those games were miracle wins at the death. I think he's won 4 out of 5 close ones this year, which is mostly luck. So realistically his team has won 8 or 9 of his last 40 games and that's going into 2016 as a flag favourite. And he's under ZERO scrutiny. In fact, people marvel at his rebuild. Round 2 he was still playing Dawson. Still playing Sutcliffe, Griffin, Pearce, 6 weeks ago. Still playing Suban and Spurr now. Would still be playing Sandilands if he didn't get injured yet again. Come to think of it, Sean Darcy would still be yet to debut if it wasn't for Sandilands getting injured. This is despite nearing the end of his second rebuilding year, despite having a long-term contract. Imagine what this rebuild would look like if Rossy was coaching for his career next year....
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Just imagine the number of Coleman's Kennedy would have won with Judd, Kerr and Cousins in the midfield.
johno
Guest
West Coast have 15 players on their list with under 100 games, but have played at least once. Freo have 25. WC have 11 players yet to play, Freo have 3 WC have 24 players 25 or older, Freo have 15. Its a completely different tale being told at both clubs. Freo went into full re-build at the end of last season turning over 11 players. they'll do something similar again this season. Maybe West Coast feel that Natanui will get them into the finals and if so then its anyone to win. But at what cost to the next 3-4 seasons if they are not blooding the kids now. Simpson might find that if he misses finals this year he may not see them again for a little while. too many guys tin the 29+ age range on the field
Dean.R
Guest
The simple explaination that too many people seem to overlook when trying to assess the strength and weaknesses of any team is how many good their ball users are. Many great former and present coaches have often said a game is lost and won in the centre. A team can build a premiership side around a solid midfield, and at the moment, although they have class, the eagles are still sorely lacking in midfield speed and depth. The skill of two former Brownlow winners who have always lacked speed and quickness are not the answer, especially when both are past their use-by dates. Shuey, and Masten, are good midfielders, but are not elite talent that are going to win you a premiership. The eagles can salvage a premiership team, as their forward line, and backline are solid and have depth. Any team that has a centreline of McGovern a fit and firing Nic Nat, and a once in a lifetime forward, like Kennedy, with supporting staff at either end can win a premiership, they just need the midfield talent ball users, which they need to address urgently. Just look at the 2006 Eagles team, who didn't have a forward line, but still pulled off a premiership with the midfield talent of Cousins, Jude, Kerr, Cox, and Fletcher. It's not too late Eagles.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
I don't think I have ever seen JD play in the midfield but I would love to see him on a wing like Reiwoldt from STK last year. He has the tank and pace to break some lines and hit guys up in the forward 50.