Is Adam Simpson’s time running out as coach of West Coast?
That’s the question that’s been asked after the Eagles were demolished by 108 points against Carlton at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Given the Eagles have won just three of their last 34 games, with an average losing margin of 45 points, journalist Damian Barrett believes the Eagles must begin to look at what lies ahead.
“It has to, but I don’t see this club making a decision within this season on him, but they have to look at what lies ahead,” Barrett told Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“If you go back to the final four matches of 2021 - when they were in a finals position - they lost their last four of that year, won only two last year, they’ve somehow won a game this season.
“But that gets them to three wins in Adam Simpson’s last 34 games (in charge).”
While the 47-year-old has had considerable success with the Eagles, highlighted by the 2018 premiership, Barrett believes Simpson’s leeway could run out at the end of this season.
“Second year for Adam Simpson was a Grand Final and three years after was a win in a Grand Final, so there’s some leeway given,” Barrett said.
“But that won’t extend, in my eyes, beyond this particular year.”
Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd believes Simpson is looking exhausted and agreed with Barrett’s take that a fresh voice could help the Eagles going forward.
“You have to admire loyalty in football clubs,” Lloyd said.
“But I think West Coast let John Worsfold go on too long, he looked a very tired guy by the end of it.
“I think Adam Simpson looks absolutely exhausted, maybe a fresh voice is exactly what the football club needs.”
Simpson is currently contracted until the end of the 2024 season.
West Coast will look to bounce back when they face Richmond at the MCG next Saturday.
"I think Adam Simpson looks absolutely exhausted and maybe a fresh voice might be what the football club needs."
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 30, 2023
With three wins from the club's last 34 games, is change at the top needed at West Coast?#9AFLSFS | @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/N5DFtgkBWo
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