West Coast Eagles players are reportedly ready for a "fresh voice" at the helm, with coach Adam Simpson on the chopping block after his side's dismal 54-point loss to Melbourne on Sunday.
The Eagles have lost 56 of their last 65 games, by an average of eight goals.
Now Simpson is again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, with suggestions his senior players are ready for a new leader to bring the club into a new period of success.
READ MORE: 'Had it good': Hardwick cops harsh reality check
READ MORE: Waerea-Hargreaves binned as milestone turns sour
READ MORE: Iconic moment Aussie duo won gold on Bondi Beach
"I think Adam Simpson is completely aware of his football mortality," 9news Melbourne reporter Tom Morris confirmed on Nine's Footy Furnace on Sunday night.
"There are senior players who would like a fresh voice at West Coast. These are senior players who are playing every week.
"It's not that the Eagles have grown to reject Simpson, considering he brought them premiership success just six years ago.
"It's simply the fact that the club needs to be taken in a new direction, according to its most prominent figures.
"There is a lot of respect for Adam Simpson. They really like Adam Simpson, but there is a need … to have a change of voice."
This pressure isn't news to Simpson, either.
The coach spoke after the Melbourne loss, confirming that he is comfortable and aware that his time in the game will not last forever.
"It's going to be up and down, the last few weeks have been down. It doesn't mean all hope is lost," Simpson said.
"We can't ride that wave. Whether it's me or someone else, it's going to take time.
"I sort of know how long the road is going to be. I'm up for it, but if the club's not, then they're not. That's fine.
"I'm okay with my football mortality. It's OK."
Football legend Leigh Matthews added his thoughts on the Eagles dismal few weeks, despite a stronger start to 2024 than last season, already recording three wins.
"If you lose enough, eventually it hits the fan and it is time for a new voice. You think the Eagles are approaching that, whether it's at the end of the year or whether it's now," Matthews said.
"In footy, a new coach is the fresh start."
Simpson still has close to 18 months left on his contract.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.