Caroline Wilson believes that West Coast has “given up” on coach Adam Simpson, as they prepare to find his replacement as soon as next week.
According to Wilson, the Eagles aren’t confident that Simpson is the right man to develop their young recruits, despite having a strong past as a strategic leader.
It comes after reports that senior Eagles players are reportedly ready for a “fresh voice” at the helm, after their 54-point loss to Melbourne on Sunday.
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“My understanding is that the club now believes that Adam Simpson isn’t the man to be the development coach,” Wilson said on Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday night.
“Could be this week, could be next week. But he won’t be there next year.”
Adam Simpson, Senior Coach of the Eagles and Harley Reid. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Eagles have lost 56 of their last 65 games, by an average of eight goals.
But Simpson’s mortality in the game is something he knows is coming.
The coach spoke after the Melbourne loss, confirming just that on Sunday.
“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.”
Kane Cornes declared that Simpson’s dismal win-loss record should have seen him sacked a while ago.
Adam Simpson directs his players during their match against Melbourne. via Getty Images
“This club needed a new coach. No coach in the history of sport has seen a record like that and survived,” Cornes said.
“I think Adam Simpson is daring them to make a decision and pay him out on his future.”
Wilson confirmed that Simpson knows his fate is sealed.
“He’s a man who … accepts the decisions (that he will be axed as coach),” she said.
As for who could replace Simpson, Wilson is confident the club will look to appoint from their pool of former players, who are assistant coaches across the league.
“You’ve got Dean Cox, Jamie Graham, Ashley Hansen, three former West Coast players, all doing well as assistant coaches (across the AFL),” she said.
“They’re looking at three really good former players, who are also doing really good jobs as assistant coaches. None of them are duds.”
The Eagle sit in 16th on the ladder with a 3-13 record.