West Coast’s spirited fightback against Gold Coast showed the Eagles haven’t given up with only three games remaining in a trying campaign.
Down by 25 points at three-quarter time, the visitors could have folded at Metricon Stadium but dug deep and surged back only to fall three points short of a third win for the year.
West Coast booted seven goals in the final term and almost snatched victory before Malcolm Rosas kicked the Suns’ sealer in the final minute, meaning Jamaine Jones’ major on the siren was to no avail for the blue and gold.
“They (West Coast players) didn’t (give up). Obviously we didn’t play four quarters. I think the guys are still playing with the right attitude,” Simpson said post-match.
“Unfortunately, after the first 15 minutes we lost our way for a quarter-and-a-half and we were unable to stop that momentum.
“Half-time we adjusted a few things, players adjusted a few things. We got going and we almost grabbed it.
“We’re not wasting this half of the season. We want to keep exposing our players to different situations and we’re just not getting rewarded at the moment, that’s all.”
Simpson praised star forward Jack Darling, who stood tall with six-straight majors and eight marks in spearhead Josh Kennedy’s absence.
“We had 40 inside 50s, so, I think we took 17 marks inside 50, so we’ve just got to get the ball in there – that’s not from D50,” Simpson said.
“(Darling’s) been great. Obviously it took him some time to get into the season, missing a full chunk of pre-season, but he hasn’t let us down hardly ever in his career and he didn’t again today.”
Prolific wingman Andrew Gaff (23 disposals) and Tim Kelly (28, seven clearances) were also prominent in their respective 250 and 100-game milestones.
“(Gaff is) probably the most consistent player I’ve ever coached. So 250 games, he’s been carrying injuries all year and never complains, just always turns up,” Simpson said.
“He’s been a quality person and he hasn’t let us down at all in his career.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t get over the line for him today, but the boys tried.”
The Eagles lost Jai Culley to a hamstring concern during the game and will also monitor Jack Petruccelle after he experienced hamstring tightness late.
Kennedy should return for the final home game of the season against Adelaide next Sunday.
