The West Coast Eagles just fell short of achieving victory but coach Adam Simpson was full of praise for his undermanned team following a 15-point defeat to North Melbourne.
When Jackson Nelson went down with a knee injury in the warm-up, the Eagles were forced into their 14th change from round one, and called up another COVID Contingency List player Declan Mountford against his old team.
It was yet another twist in a dramatic week, and while disappointed the Eagles couldn’t claim a remarkable four points Simpson couldn’t have asked for any more.
“We’re disappointed we didn’t win. We came here to win. Whilst that didn’t happen I think when we got the top-up players, three of them had played AFL before, I know two of them, (Aaron) Black is probably the one I met last week but (he’s a) Sandover medallist, 200-plus games, they all took it in their stride really," Simpson said.
"We tried to complement the player with the role, and in the end when Mountford came on he ran with (Jy) Simpkin and did a tremendous job, kept him to 15 or 16 possessions.
“Those guys came in and we gave them a role and they tried their hardest too. (Brayden) Ainsworth is the other one who came in and played a role as well.”
The Eagles were more than competitive in the key areas, winning the inside 50 count by two and squaring clearances.
West Coast’s effort couldn’t be questioned and the experience will be telling for a host of younger players, including debutants Callum Jamieson and Jack Williams.
“There were moments where we looked quite vulnerable, as to be expected, but there were moments where we looked quite dominant,” Simpson said.
“I’m really proud of our players, our leaders. We talk a lot about the guys who filled in, but I thought our leaders really stood up, just with their effort and playing their roles.
“Then we got younger players some opportunities. Bailey Williams got the chance to hold down the number one ruck spot and I thought as the game went on he grew and grew.
“We’ll take a lot of positives.”
While Simpson was pleased with the club’s resilience in the face of adversity, West Coast will be desperate to get on the winners’ list in next round’s home RAC Derby.
“If we don’t start winning it (the start to the season) will (be costly). It’s a long year. We’re 0-2, it’s not ideal for us,” Simpson said.
“I don’t think they’re excuses, they’re probably reasons if that makes any sense. But we want to win and we are doing everything to can to do that.
“It’s just we have hit a bit of adversity at the same time.”
