Coach Adam Simpson Megathread est. 2017 - Staying for 2024, Lyon’s Cryin’

[VicBased]

Yeah I hope they do too and it should be a good game. But my point was more directed at the fact that we’ve constantly had to be inch perfect all year just to make 4th, rather than being already locked away in the top 4 and pushing for top 2 (those two things aren’t as far away as they sound).

7-0 at home, lose once to Richmond, need to go 3-0 to guarantee top 4, lose by two points in a game full of absolute cheese and all of a sudden we need someone else to win plus win our last 2. Just been like that all year while teams like Brisbane continue to arse their way through their infinite home games, constantly keeping them “safe” a game clear in the 4. Collingwood is basically what we would have been without our home hub.

I could not agree more but i will add......If we can get up (hope we can) it will become an amazing F*#k*#g year.

 

[VicBased]

As I previously stated: " I know because I watched the game and Shuey's slight hobble and shake of the head. I, nor anyone else, need be a medico to understand this."

Seeing it for oneself isn't a "vibe." But you continue to tell yourself whatever you have to though to help you cope.

You are amazingly good at justifying yourself and will always have the last say so i will sign off from this convo.

 

[Nuke Fremantle]

It's the midfield.

Geelong have been without Ablett most of the season, at times Duncan and Selwood has a lesser role. But they then have the likes of Guthrie, Menegola and Parfitt step up.

Richmond have had to cope without Prestia, Edwards and at times, Cotchin. Into the breach come Bolton, Lambert , Graham.

We lose Yeo and Shuey and we have to turn to unproven kids; Brander, Ainsworth, O'Neill. They might all end up being decent players one day but they're not at the level of Geelong/Richmond's mids and that's why they're in the top 4 and we're not.

 

[Coasters7]

It's the midfield.

Geelong have been without Ablett most of the season, at times Duncan and Selwood has a lesser role. But they then have the likes of Guthrie, Menegola and Parfitt step up.

Richmond have had to cope without Prestia, Edwards and at times, Cotchin. Into the breach come Bolton, Lambert , Graham.

We lose Yeo and Shuey and we have to turn to unproven kids; Brander, Ainsworth, O'Neill. They might all end up being decent players one day but they're not at the level of Geelong/Richmond's mids and that's why they're in the top 4 and we're not.

We’re missing all those half forward/second string mid types as well as the starters. Willie, Venables even Cripps who could rotate onto the wing occasionally so Gaff could play inside. Then on top of that we don’t actually have any small forwards left to cover for a Ryan/Rioli to the midfield type of move anyway and we’re just picking our next best players out of absolute necessity and shoehorning them in rather than like for like. Willie and Venables in place of Shuey and Yeo with Cameron and/or Jones up forward looks a whole lot better than O’Neill, Ainsworth and Hutchings. We’re just missing literally everyone explosive or exciting on our list that could cover for our 2 stars like the two teams you mentioned have been able to.

 

[FKASC]

It's the midfield.

Geelong have been without Ablett most of the season, at times Duncan and Selwood has a lesser role. But they then have the likes of Guthrie, Menegola and Parfitt step up.

Richmond have had to cope without Prestia, Edwards and at times, Cotchin. Into the breach come Bolton, Lambert , Graham.

We lose Yeo and Shuey and we have to turn to unproven kids; Brander, Ainsworth, O'Neill. They might all end up being decent players one day but they're not at the level of Geelong/Richmond's mids and that's why they're in the top 4 and we're not.

Exactly this. Collingwood, Port and to a lesser extent Brisbane also have the same depth in the midfield, and all have quality mids who can’t crack their B22.

Not only does it mean you don’t have ready replacements but it also means there is less pressure on the B22 midfield to perform. When’s the last time we’ve had genuine pressure on our starting midfield from players in the reserves?

 

[greatwhiteshark]

We’re missing all those half forward/second string mid types as well as the starters. Willie, Venables even Cripps who could rotate onto the wing occasionally so Gaff could play inside. Then on top of that we don’t actually have any small forwards left to cover for a Ryan/Rioli to the midfield type of move anyway and we’re just picking our next best players out of absolute necessity and shoehorning them in rather than like for like. Willie and Venables in place of Shuey and Yeo with Cameron and/or Jones up forward looks a whole lot better than O’Neill, Ainsworth and Hutchings. We’re just missing literally everyone explosive or exciting on our list that could cover for our 2 stars like the two teams you mentioned have been able to.

We are missing them because we recruit small forwards instead of midfielders. You only ever need one specialist small forward, all the rest should be midfielders who can play small forward when needed.
Petch, Cameron, cripps, Jones will never ever be midfielders. Ah Chee had his chance earlier in his career as a midfielder and struggled but hence why he can still contribute as a small forward.
Ryan could easilyplay midfield but we would lose to much not having him forward. We miss Rioli a lot but he again is just a small forward and not someone who will be a midfielder. Should be with his talent though.

They once said in football that great small forwards are simply failed midfielders, I still think there is truth to this and trying to recruit small forwards is wasting resources. I would pick the 50th best midfielder in Australia over the best small forward in the draft every day of the week.
We have way to many similar same type players who are simply only small forwards at best, and we are proving week after week that only a couple of them are any good.

 

[greatwhiteshark]

Exactly this. Collingwood, Port and to a lesser extent Brisbane also have the same depth in the midfield, and all have quality mids who can’t crack their B22.

Not only does it mean you don’t have ready replacements but it also means there is less pressure on the B22 midfield to perform. When’s the last time we’ve had genuine pressure on our starting midfield from players in the reserves?

So recruit midfielders and stop recruiting small forwards.

 

[HoneyBadger35]

Guys come on, it’s so obvious. The medicos told Simmo that Shuey wouldn’t have any additional risk by playing, but Simmo is a goose for not overruling them and benching him.

Nic Nat, a bloke whose whole career has been hampered by injuries, and the medicos have determined that his back is tight. Simmo is a goose for not overruling them and playing him.

Just sack the prick and we can all move on.

 

[FreeTK]

Guys come on, it’s so obvious. The medicos told Simmo that Shuey wouldn’t have any additional risk by playing, but Simmo is a goose for not overruling them and benching him.

Nic Nat, a bloke whose whole career has been hampered by injuries, and the medicos have determined that his back is tight. Simmo is a goose for not overruling them and playing him.

Just sack the prick and we can all move on.

They're being fukcing stupid.

Ban them all Badge!

 

[FKASC]

So recruit midfielders and stop recruiting small forwards.

*KPP/Rucks

 

[Cuzz09]

the turning point was the day Gov and Barrass did the Harry Highpants routine.

After that we lost to Collingwood abd those 2 were well beaten and Barrass wasnt the same.

I think those pants went up his clacker too high

On SM-G925I using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[BlueandGoldforever]

Guys come on, it’s so obvious. The medicos told Simmo that Shuey wouldn’t have any additional risk by playing, but Simmo is a goose for not overruling them and benching him.

Nic Nat, a bloke whose whole career has been hampered by injuries, and the medicos have determined that his back is tight. Simmo is a goose for not overruling them and playing him.

Just sack the prick and we can all move on.

It's funny isn't it. You can't win.

I will never forget watching a Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs match back in 2012 I think when Jay Schulz came down second best in a marking contest. Justin Westhoff's knee had battered into him.

I am no doctor but * me it was so obvious that he was seriously injured. All the blood had drained from his face and he looked in acute pain.

In one of the more mind boggling decisions made by the medical fraternity it was deemed he was fit to go back on. I could not believe it.

Not surprisingly, he collapsed after the match and was rushed to hospital where it revealed that he had ruptured his lumbar artery; then preceded to lose two units of blood, developed a blood clot the size of a small football, combined with damage to one of his kidneys.

He didn't play again that year. Medical professionals and coaches do not always get it right.

 

[06Premiers]

Guys come on, it’s so obvious. The medicos told Simmo that Shuey wouldn’t have any additional risk by playing, but Simmo is a goose for not overruling them and benching him.

Nic Nat, a bloke whose whole career has been hampered by injuries, and the medicos have determined that his back is tight. Simmo is a goose for not overruling them and playing him.

Just sack the prick and we can all move on.

Good thing Woosha is coming back to WA at the end of this season.

 

[Kellythatsit]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as evidenced by the loss. Winning requires calculated risk. WC's aversion to such is in part why they lost.

But that's exactly what has been done. WC assessed likelihood of a probable injury to Nic over the potential for a loss against the Bulldogs and decided not to risk a long term injury and back in the team.

Had Darling kicked straighter, or the ARC overturned the umpire's call, or any number of marginal calls gone differently during the game, the risk would have paid off. Unfortunately it didn't, we lost but we still have Naitanui available for the next game.

 

[Kellythatsit]

Yeah I don’t doubt that it’s still “possible” with the inclusions to come but it just feels like one of those years where we’re on a knifes edge the entire time and something out of our control is going to dick us no matter what we do or how good we turn it around (the Bont 10 metre pass plus ARC utensil up as a nice example). Compound that with the rest of the top 4 not doing us any favours, despite being just as poor at times, and our injuries that have culled our entire small forward group + 2 starting centre bounce mids.

The only thing that has gone our way this year has been the home hub, and even then, we didn’t get our full home allocation which could have a huge affect on our top 4 hopes given we’ve just lost to the two sides we’d have likely had at home and might only miss top 4 by one game (I understand Vic sides haven’t been home all year but that doesn’t excuse the fact that we were fine to play our games in Perth and get our full 9-10). Isolated they’re all “excuses” but when you throw it all together, then only miss top 4 by a game or so, it’s just a bullshit flat feeling.

I fully expect Richmond to beat Geelong on Friday (if we don’t lose to Saints first). It’s just been that sort of year.. our small slip ups are fatal while others just arse their way through.

Mate, I know exactly the way you feel. I too fully expect either of the following scenarios this week:

1) Eagles beat Saints on Thursday only for Geelong to forget how to play football on Friday and get rolled by an arsey Richmond.

2) Eagles are beaten by Saints on Thursday and Geelong rolls Tigers by 7 goals on Friday.

And don't get me started on the lack of integrity in the AFL's fixturing.

But I also know we rarely have things go our way. Any advantage that may exist is either nullified by disadvantages or quickly stamped out by the AFL. Yet we're one of, if not THE most, successful clubs in the league.

I think on our day we're as good as any other team in this competition without being gifted special advantages like the Victorian or "expansion" clubs.

We've always had to. It's a part of our culture and that's what makes us so strong now.

We can ******* do this.

 

[Astro7]

His legacy will be summarised by the limp deer-in-headlights performance in the 2015 GF. A good coach, see: Luke Beveridge, would have his side ready to play.

A lot currently is on our lack of match-winners, but Simpson will never take us to a flag

I thought that was Simmo in the coaches box after we won the 2018 GF??

 

[Pulsedriver]

But that's exactly what has been done. WC assessed likelihood of a probable injury to Nic over the potential for a loss against the Bulldogs and decided not to risk a long term injury and back in the team.

Disagree. WC did the opposite of venture by taking the conservative approach to Nic.

Had Darling kicked straighter, or the ARC overturned the umpire's call, or any number of marginal calls gone differently during the game, the risk would have paid off. Unfortunately it didn't, we lost but we still have Naitanui available for the next game.

It's unfortunate the gamble didn't pay off, but it is what it is. Just have to make the best of it from here.

 

[The Passenger]

Good thing Woosha is coming back to WA at the end of this season.

Oooo boy.

Can we at least agree on one thing - anyone who says Woosha should take over from Simmo because the latter can't adapt his game plan deserves a permeban.

Inb4 Huntaaaaaaa goes forward and takes a mark!!

 

[CM9000]

It's the midfield.

Geelong have been without Ablett most of the season, at times Duncan and Selwood has a lesser role. But they then have the likes of Guthrie, Menegola and Parfitt step up.

Richmond have had to cope without Prestia, Edwards and at times, Cotchin. Into the breach come Bolton, Lambert , Graham.

We lose Yeo and Shuey and we have to turn to unproven kids; Brander, Ainsworth, O'Neill. They might all end up being decent players one day but they're not at the level of Geelong/Richmond's mids and that's why they're in the top 4 and we're not.

Ablett doesn’t play in the middle for Geelong anymore, and they haven’t missed their best player (Dangerfield) all year. Duncan has also only missed two games, and Selwood isn‘t exactly in his prime (when playing). To compare our situations is more than a little unfair - for it to be even, they’d have to be missing Dangerfield and Duncan for 4+ games, and have both Parfitt and Miers on the sidelines.

Likewise, Richmond haven’t missed Dustin Martin at all, and you’re underrating Lambert a bit there. They also haven’t lost any small forwards or similar type players, with Shai Bolton being able to play in the middle as a result.

Our injuries have been a lot worse, particularly when considering the quality of the players we’ve lost. I think you might be simplifying things there.

 

[Chris_6678]

Simmo playing Redden knowing he could break a thumb.

 

[javaguice]

That loss wasn't on Simmo - we had enough opportunities to win but poo'd our pants.

All on the players.

Im looking at you, Princess Jack Darling.

Has there ever been a more infuriating player?

 

[Biggie]

Has there ever been a more infuriating player?

Definitely.

Fraser Gehrig in the blue and gold

 

[javaguice]

Definitely.

Fraser Gehrig in the blue and gold

Haha - Ill pay that.

 

[THE A5]

This thread in less than 12 months is going to pop IMO. Just have a gut feeling we'll drop from contending to fighting out top 8 and there'll be a ton of pressure on the man. Just felt that this was our last crack at another GF and covid and now injuries have ****ed us up.

JK and Hurn doing Cox/Glass (aka 2014) leaving JD and Young Allen fighting it out.

Basically a fit midfield and Willie returning will be key to pushing top 4 next year.

 

[Scotland]

Oooo boy.

Can we at least agree on one thing - anyone who says Woosha should take over from Simmo because the latter can't adapt his game plan deserves a permeban.

Inb4 Huntaaaaaaa goes forward and takes a mark!!

I look forward to Jeremy McGovern becoming a dour 7 disposal per game key defender.