There are endless questions and not many answers amid the AFL season suspension, but when West Coast does return to action coach Adam Simpson hopes his players will be back better than before.
Following their 27-point round one victory over Melbourne, the Eagles enter then enforced shutdown period ahead of the ledger.
Round two – slated to be an away clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium – won’t be played before May 31 as the League enters an unprecedented period during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While acknowledging the unfolding global crisis is much bigger than football, Simpson is also thinking how his players can be best prepared for the season to resume during the months ahead.
“I think the polish of our players and the way they handled themselves was really good before the game (against Melbourne knowing the season would be suspended),” Simpson told Channel Seven.
“They were real pros on field. We got the job done, (let’s) nail the break and come back a bit better when we get back.
“For the most part we don’t see the players for (the next) 30 days, get them to train remotely somehow, and then once we get some signs of the ability to get the guys together in smaller groups to train together we’ll work through that.
“That’s the challenge we’ve got in front of us but that’s small compared to what everyone else has got in front of them as well, so we’ve put that in perspective and understand everyone is going through a difficult time and we’re part of the community.”
Simpson called on Australians to heed the advice from government officials and play their part in a bid to limit the impact of the virus.
“It’s been difficult for everyone, not just the football club, but everyone in society,” he said.
“Playing a game of football last night was a little bit surreal, but we got the job done, we move on now and we start to really hone in on our families and doing the right thing for our community and Australia.
“Everything has come really quick as we probably all suspected that the season was going to be wound up at some stage.
“How quickly can we all comply with the advice the government gives us, that’s how quick we’ll get through it.
“If we listen and act the way we should hopefully we’ll get a resolution and save lives a bit earlier.”