Adam Simpson says the Eagles’ heartbreaking elimination final loss to Collingwood will be particularly tough to swallow in light of everything the club has endured in 2020.

While any one-point loss would be hard to take, no less a final, Simpson appeared to feel the weight of this defeat more than most as he reflected on the challenges his team overcame in what will undoubtedly be remembered as the most dramatic season in AFL history.

“I think every club has sacrificed a lot to put this show on the road and we’re no different than all the other clubs that have had to travel at stages with hubs and quarantine, players have played for half their salary, we’ve had to stand down a third of our staff and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster really,” Simpson said post-match.

“It’s really disappointing that you don’t have anything to show for it. I think it will hurt a bit more than losing by a point against the Pies tonight. It hurts a little bit more that you put so much effort into this season.

“Every club will be feeling the same if they don’t win the flag this year.”

In analysing the game, Simpson said an inability to capitalise on critical moments cost his charges.

West Coast, the same side that kicked an unbelievable 18.3 from just 35 inside 50s the last time it took on Collingwood at Optus Stadium, couldn't find the major opening with the same regularity tonight and finished the game with 11.9.

And in spite of kicking four superb fourth-quarter goals to push the Pies to the brink, the Eagles also squandered three gettable chances that could have helped them put the Pies away.

On the other hand, Nathan Buckley’s men kicked true in the dying stages, slotting three difficult majors to prevail by a lone point for the second time in their last three encounters with West Coast at Optus Stadium.

“There were moments when their midfield was on top or their forwards were on top and they made the most of their opportunities,” Simpson said.

“And when we had an opportunity to put some damage on the scoreboard we probably weren’t as sharp or not as clean or polished in front of goals.”

Although he was visibly gutted following the contest, Simpson was extremely proud of his players and staff, who he said sacrificed so much to give the club an opportunity to vie for its fifth premiership in the most challenging of circumstances.

He was adamant there were plenty of positives to take away from season 2020.

“I’m still proud of what we’ve done,” Simpson said.

“The growth we’ve had with so many young players has been positive. We got to work through some trying times with injuries and form and we stuck fat and we’re still united.

“As much as I’m really disappointed with tonight, I’m still proud of how we went this season.”