Adam Simpson’s weekly media conference today was preceded by a State Government announcement that there had been no further community spread of the COVID-19 virus in Perth.
While that news gave rise to optimism that the scheduled four-day lockdown would end as originally set at 12.01am on Saturday, Simpson’s focus has not shifted.
He and his team are tunnel-visioned on an improved performance against Sydney at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday. It’s their sole purpose.
“(That’s) the one thing I don’t focus on,” Simpson stated adamantly. “We’re focused on playing against Sydney; the club will tell us, the AFL will tell us, the government will tell us and we will go by that guidance.
“Of course you want to get home as soon as you can and play in front of our home ground and home crowd, but until we get the green light we will embrace what’s in front of us.”
And drawing on the experience of hub life in Queensland has helped the Eagles adjust to a hasty exit from Perth on Tuesday afternoon.
Staff and players exited Perth before a possible border closure to Western Australians heading to Victoria and Simpson said the Eagles were able to relocate at short notice because of past experiences.
“It’s pretty casual to be honest,” Simpson said matter-of-factly today. “That we have been in this situation before really helps.
“Even talking to the Australian cricket team they’re used to the travel and they’re used to doing it every year. It feels like we’re back on the bike a little bit. We learnt some lessons from past experiences, but this adventure is a little bit different.
“There is a bit more freedom around town as well. We’re not locked into the hotel for a certain period of time, we can get out and about, so it’s not so bad.”
After his zoom media conference concluded, Simpson headed to match committee which would undoubtedly induce some heavy debate.
On the back of a 55-point loss to the Western Bulldogs and with around 40 players available for selection, there would be much to ponder as the club plots to rebound.
