West Coast’s Adam Simpson remains defiant amid dismal AFL season

The pressure on Adam Simpson is ready to explode, but the under-fire West Coast coach insists he’s “staying the course”.

Trevor Nisbett and Adam Simpson. Photos: AAP and Getty Images

It is hard to imagine an AFL coach under more pressure than what Adam Simpson is facing at West Coast.

One of the proudest and most successful clubs in the competition since it joined the fold back in 1987, the Eagles are putting the finishing touches on their worst season ever.

Watch every match of every round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

Two wins from 22 matches, five losses by over 100 points and a 101-point annihilation against arch rival and baby brother Fremantle last week underline the wretched campaign under Simpson.

While Simpson did lead the Eagles to their fourth premiership back in 2018, the club has been in free fall since and will soon record only the second wooden spoon in its history, barring a miracle in the final two matches against the Bulldogs and Crows.

The Eagles also won just two games last season under Simpson to finish 4.8 percentage points above last-placed North Melbourne.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson, seen here walking off Marvel Stadium on August 5, is under enormous pressure. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

It has left Simpson in a dreadful position as speculation over his future has mounted, but he fronted the media on Friday to insist all is well between himself and chief executive Trevor Nisbett, who is also under-fire from supporters for the club’s current mess.

“I’m really tight with ‘Niz’,” Simpson said. “I’ve got nothing but appreciation for what he’s done for me and for the footy club.

“I know the footy department is working through some pretty big issues.

“But the club itself and what they’ve achieved in my time here has been outstanding and he’s the alpha male. He’s the guy who has been leading the whole thing.

“So I’m really surprised when there’s questions asked about Trev and what he’s done for us and what he’ll continue to do. We’re absolutely fine.”

It may surprise many but I detest FWCE with a passion so their current plight pleases me no end. However their treatment of Adam Simpson is nothing short of deplorable. The lack of support by the board & complete lack of effort by players is so grossly unfair. #fwcetossers#AFL

— Tiger Tom (@Tommy10cents) August 18, 2023

The back of tomorrow's The West Australian.@TheWestSport@[e-mail]/BtqEwbwy5Z

— Jakeb Waddell (@JakebWaddell) August 17, 2023

The Eagles have long been the darling of the West Australian public and media, but local newspaper The West Australian has well and truly turned on the club.

The paper’s back page on Friday had the headline ‘The Eagles Flying Circus’ with Nisbett, chairman Paul Fitzpatrick and Eddie McGuire all depicted in clown costumes, along with a photoshop-free Simpson.

There is also a multimillion-dollar problem facing the Eagles, who would be subjected to a major payout if they terminate Simpson’s contract which runs through the end of 2025.

But former Collingwood president McGuire spoke out about the club this week, saying the “the broom is going through the West Coast Eagles” and “they’ve got more money than God” on Nine’s Footy Classified.

Trevor Nisbett and Adam Simpson. Photos: AAP and Getty Images

To his credit, Simpson has handled the situation extraordinarily well, insisting he is here for the fight to turn the club around and has no intention of walking away.

The 47-year-old did concede, however, he would appreciate some clarity on his position beyond this season.

“I’m not stamping my feet, but getting some clarity around that is what I’m looking for,” he said.

“I do understand that decisions are made and changes happen sometimes.

“I’m not in despair. I’m not angry. There’s no split. I’m absolutely hands-on.

“We had a two-and-a-half hour meeting on list management two nights ago. Nothing has changed.

“Once we get clarity about the future we can double down or we can pull back.”

Originally published as West Coast’s Adam Simpson remains defiant amid dismal AFL season