Side not fit enough, but Simpson keen to stay

WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson is adamant he is the right man for the top job, saying he has not needed to seek reassurances from the club’s hierarchy about his position.

Simpson’s job has come under the spotlight after last week’s shock loss to Collingwood, dealing a crushing blow to West Coast’s finals hopes. The Eagles need to win at least three of their final five games to scrape into the top eight.

Last-quarter fade-outs have become a big problem, and Simpson concedes his team probably is not fit or fast enough.

Worryingly, he said those areas could not be fixed this year.

But the fourth-year coach insists the future is bright, and he wants to be the one to lead the Eagles to glory.

“All can say is I’m up for the fight and I’m really optimistic about our future,” he said.

“The age profile of our list will change very, very quickly — I guarantee that.

“We can’t dismiss our whole list and we can’t just bottom out and just play the kids.

“It’s still up for grabs. We’ll do everything we can to win this week and keep an eye on the future as well.”

West Coast will need to make a series of tough calls to reinvigorate its list.

Although Drew Petrie and Sam Mitchell are expected to retire, questions are being raised about the futures of Mark LeCras, Matt Priddis, Sharrod Wellingham, Chris Masten, Sam Butler, Josh Hill and Eric Mackenzie.

Priddis recently signed a one-year contract extension. But his dramatic drop in form means the Brownlow medallist is no certainty to see out the deal. LeCras has come in for the heaviest criticism.

David King, who played alongside Simpson in North Melbourne’s 1996 and ’99 flagwinning teams, said LeCras should never feature again at AFL level after a string of poor efforts.

Simpson said he did not feel a need to ring King about the criticism, describing the comments as irrelevant.

“He can make his comments and judgments; I’m not going to fight that fight with those guys,” he said.

“To suggest he’ll never play again — that’s someone’s opinion, not mine.”

West Coast will start favourite on Sunday against Brisbane Lions at Domain Stadium.

Simpson will consider giving a debut to midfielder Luke Partington, who has been racking up big numbers in the WAFL.

He says if Scott Lycett (shoulder) fails to prove his fitness, it is likely the ruckman’s season will be over. AAP