New West Coast coach Adam Simpson knows he’ll make some rookie mistakes this year, but he’s hoping it won’t come at the cost of a win during the AFL season.
Simpson insists he’s not feeling too nervous ahead of his senior coaching debut in Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at Patersons Stadium.
Optimism is building at the Eagles after they won all three of their pre-season games and stayed relatively clear on the injury front.
Simpson may be a rookie coach, but he has plenty of experience in the AFL.
The midfielder was a key figure for North Melbourne during his 15-year playing career, before honing his coaching skills during a four-year stint under Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn.
The 38-year-old feels he’s ready to thrive in a senior role, but says West Coast’s new-look coaching group may make a few errors along the way.
“You think you’re doing everything at a reasonable level. But until you’re in the heat of the battle, it’s hard to tell,” Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.
“No doubt we’ll make some rookie errors along the way, but hopefully not to the point where it will cost us a game.”
Simpson said the pressure ahead of his coaching debut was similar to the heat he felt entering his first AFL game.
“The biggest difference is the buck stops right here,” Simpson said.
Former Demon Jamie Bennell, ex-Hawk Xavier Ellis, former Lion Elliot Yeo and first-round draft pick Dom Sheed will make their Eagles debuts on Sunday.
Star ruckman Nic Naitanui will also feature in the game after overcoming a long-standing groin issue, but the 23-year-old may start as the sub, with the Eagles naming three ruckmen.
The Bulldogs will be without star midfielder Ryan Griffen, but their on-ball division still looms as a major weapon.
The Eagles will be hoping to stretch the Bulldogs’ defence for height.
West Coast spearheads Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling are hard to contain at the best of times, while resting ruckmen Naitanui, Dean Cox and Callum Sinclair are also capable of causing damage.
“We are fortunate that we have a forward line that has a bit of height but can also put pressure on as well,” Simpson said.
