New West Coast coach Adam Simpson knows his AFL side has the potential to cause some major damage this season – but only if they can avoid the dreaded injury curse.
The Eagles opened up their 2014 campaign in grand style, thrashing the Western Bulldogs by 65 points in Sunday’s clash at Patersons Stadium.
Mark LeCras (five goals) and Jack Darling (four) did the damage up forward, while Andrew Gaff, Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis, Scott Selwood, Sharrod Wellingham and Luke Shuey ran rampant through the midfield.
Dean Cox was at his prolific best in the ruck, while Nic Naitanui made it through a full game in a promising sign he has finally overcome his long-standing groin issue.
West Coast were plagued by injuries to key players last year as they crashed to 13th spot.
But with a near full-strength squad to choose from, Simpson has an enviable array of talent at his disposal.
West Coast have a perfect chance to go 3-0 when they take on Melbourne (MCG) and St Kilda (home) over the next fortnight.
Simpson wasn’t getting carried away with the round-one romp over the Bulldogs.
But the rookie coach is excited about what lies ahead, especially once the team gains a greater understanding of the new game plan.
“It’s about how we evolve together as a group – it takes time,” Simpson said.
“We can’t bring in a new system, new coaches, 10-11 new players and think you’re going to get it all together in five months. It’s going to take a little while.
“When you get close to your best 22, we’re going to do some damage.
“But there will be some hiccups along the way.”
Although LeCras and Darling combined for nine goals up forward, West Coast’s spread of 11 goalkickers made it hard for the Bulldogs to stem the tide.
Simpson said a good mix of attacking options would prove pivotal for any team attempting to win the flag.
“That’s something I’ve learned from the Hawks – you can’t rely on one player,” said Simpson, who spent four years as an assistant to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.
“If you have an even spread, you become very hard to defend.”
