The results might not have been coming but that hasn’t stopped West Coast chasing wins – and that won’t change against Hawthorn, coach Adam Simpson says.
The Eagles’ availability challenges have been well-documented since the round three RAC Derby, and a youthful and inexperienced team will once again take to the field this Sunday in Launceston.
Facing off against the Hawks, one spot below West Coast in last place on the ladder, presents an opportunity for the Eagles to taste victory for the first time since round two, and that is the club’s full focus heading into round 10.
“Nothing changes,” Simpson said on Friday.
“We know Hawthorn are in a rebuild and they’re around the same spot as us on the ladder.
“There’s an opportunity, if we perform at our best, we think we’re half a chance - but that’s every week.
“Maybe I’m too optimistic, but I go in every week thinking if we play at our best and put four quarters together (we can win).
“That’s just the way I am.
“We prepare to win. We want our players to win and we’re doing everything we can to get a win for our fans and supporters.
“The last thing you want to hear is we’re trying not to.”
Hawthorn has taken a youthful approach to its rebuild, while the Eagles’ hand has been forced into playing a large number of emerging players due to the unavailability of senior stars to guide them.
The cavalry could be coming soon, with Elliot Yeo, Luke Shuey, Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn all training on Thursday and aiming to be back at different stages before the bye.
Simpson refuted suggestions the Eagles are holding on until those players return, instead insisting the club is doing everything possible to get better and eradicate the lapses within games that have dogged the season so far.
“Momentum is killing us at the moment with some of these quarters. We’re competing OK at stages and there’s some periods of the game where we’re actually quite dominant,” he said.
“We’ll keep working on that rather than wait.
“It’s probably before the bye we should get some guys back.
“Hopefully that does happen but trying to plan for this week and trying to expose some of or younger players to … another opportunity to grow together, travel as a young group and play at our best.”
Simpson was joined in his weekly media conference by AFLW player and First Nations guernsey designer Krstel Petrevski, who was delighted to produce the jumper which will be worn across the club’s three teams.
“This is the first time the club will have the same jersey amongst all programs, so that just speaks volumes of the club and the direction we’re heading in,” Petrevski said.
“I’m extremely honoured and extremely proud. For me it’s the story it’s telling. I’m very fortunate to be part of this football club and I just wanted the wider community and everyone part of our community to acknowledge their presence in the story.”
