Adam Simpson has seen “a lot of growth” from West Coast in the hub environment, but says players and staff can’t wait to return to Optus Stadium for a keenly-anticipated RAC Derby.
The Eagles coach reflected positively on the experience of being based at RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast for five weeks after steering his side to a comfortable 33-point win over Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday.
Victory saw West Coast square the season ledger at 3-3 after a torrid start to the Queensland trip, with three consecutive losses threatening to send the season off the rails.
But the Eagles regrouped with critical victories over Sydney and the Crows and have a stretch of games in Perth to look forward to.
“I think we’ve done it the hard way. We’ve come out hopefully in a positive frame of mind and a better brand than when we got here and I think we’ve had some growth in our young players as well,” Simpson said post-match.
“We’ve corrected some things on-field that have got nothing to do with the hub. In fact, it probably addressed it quicker (being here).
“I think we probably went in a different direction after the Port (Adelaide) game in terms of how we play and we had to fix a couple of things on-field.”
In his sixth appearance in blue and gold, Tim Kelly showed his class against the Crows with 24 disposals, eight clearances and seven score involvements to lead a strong midfield performance.
“He’s flown his family over, he’s been living in a hotel with three kids. I don’t know how he’s done it, he’s done a good job," Simpson said.
“He’s trying to play our brand, we’re different to Geelong, a different side, so we’ve got to give him a bit of grace and I thought today he took a step forward.
“This is not a bang or bust situation, he’s 25, so it’s a long-term investment with Tim. We think, touch wood, he can play well into his 30s so let’s judge him at the end of that time.”
Gun ruck Nic Naitanui was again among the Eagles’ best, responding to adversary Reilly O’Brien’s social media gaffe with an influential 24 hit-outs and five clearances as West Coast commanded clearances 28-17 and inside 50s 49-24.
“Nic plays on edge, so I think we were all thinking ‘you’ve poked the bear’,” Simpson said of O’Brien’s unintentional Twitter post.
“I think he’s been in really good form. He’s held up his end every game. He’s having a good year and he’s connecting well with our mids, giving them good supply, and Oscar (Allen) is holding up his end as well.”
Next Sunday, Simpson will coach against his former assistant coach Justin Longmuir for the first time in a home and away match in what will be an important RAC Derby for both sides in front of 30,000 fans Optus Stadium.
“Can’t wait for that, that’s going to be exciting, and it’s a derby, so hopefully a good build-up, plenty of publicity back in Perth and hopefully we can put on a good show,” Simpson said.
“We’re looking forward to it (getting back to Optus), it’s been a long time coming.
“(Fremantle) are a young side. Longy’s a great coach, he was working at West Coast for a few years, he’s a good man, and they’re playing with good spirit so it’s going to be game on.”
