It’s time to get on with the job.
That’s the clear and direct message from coach Adam Simpson as West Coast settles into Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
While reports swirl about how the fixture will unfold beyond round five and the possibility of a WA hub, Simpson and his players are turning their full attention to a long-awaited round two clash with the Suns at Metricon Stadium.
“At the moment we’ve all settled in pretty well. It’s a magnificent facility so no complaints there and now we just get on with the job,” Simpson told Channel Seven.
“For the eight weeks (AFL season shutdown) we’ve heard different things every day, so I just think this (WA hub talk) is the new cycle.
“We’re hoping we can get back as quick as we can. We understand the AFL are doing absolutely everything they can to give us some clarity on return date, so that’s what we’re waiting for.
“Hopefully in the next week or so we can find that out.
“At the moment, we’ve just got to deal with what is in front of us. We’ve got Gold Coast this Saturday night and that’s what we’re dealing with.”
The Eagles’ match committee will have some positive selection headaches to deal with after Wednesday evening’s main training session at Metricon’s second oval.
Whether superstar ruck Nic Naitanui can shoulder the load during shorter quarters with help from a pinch-hitter looms as a major question.
Tom Hickey was selected as a back-up big man in round one, while Nathan Vardy, Oscar Allen and Bailey Williams are also pushing their cases.
Impressive training form combined with a fit squad will pose several dilemmas before the team is announced on Thursday evening.
“Our training block has been pretty good, we haven’t lost anyone through injuries,” Simpson said.
“We had a practice match on Friday night and everyone got through that. Most of the boys are in pretty good nick as well.
“We’re in reasonably good shape, but I’m hearing the same at almost every club that lists are healthy and everyone has got through the shorter training base pretty well.”
