Autopsy The Phoenix Thread - Where Do We Start? (Rebuild)

[RookiePick]

Lack of strength, lack of aerobic capacity, skills deteriorating to below ammos level.

I think we aren't taking the club literally enough when they say the list is transitioning.

The whole group should be below 5nmol/L test by xmas and the next AFLW cup will be ours.

 

[Grahame]

1. The team should now only be Mentors and Trainees. If you are more experienced and can't/won't be a role model, then to the WAFL and stay there until your outlook improves. If you've already played say 30+ games and haven't yet shown you're gonna be a 150game player, to the WAFL (at least until we have a good look at all the Trainees).

2. If we have a percentage of 55% then we can't lose by much more if we continue to expose the Trainees. Including Hough, LEdwards, HEdwards, Chesser, Joyce, Jones etc. (If Jamieson and Winder aren't played now then surely they're a delist come years end?) Some of the remaining players might just be too young to be thrown to the AFL this year. Then at year's end make the tough decisions based on solid evidence.

3. We can't do much about our list now. However, we have multiple fringe players like Nelson, Rotham, Petro, Waterman, Cole, Langdon who might benefit from a different position. We're not consistently get much from them so what is there to lose?

4. Start on reshaping the bodies and increasing the aerobic capacity of some players so we can better handle the fast chaos game. Slow types might be better suited to the old kick-mark game but that has passed its use-by date.

 

[Deplorable trumpster]

Simpson is just not living in reality. We just got belted by over 100 points on home ground by another team who are considered by most people as no more than a 50/50 chance to squeek into the finals. One of the worst losses in the history of our club. And he is acting and talking like we went down by 3 goals to the clear Premiership favourite.

And he has no idea what the supporters want in this moment. We want to hear a plan to move forward with. Preceeded by an acknowledgement of obvious underperformance in many areas of the club. Even if the plan makes it unlikely we will make finals for the next 3 years as we turn our list over and prioritise young players. Lets at least have a plan with our list. Lets have a plan to move on people in the non - playing roles at the club who are not up to it (Cough* the whole strength and conditioning department *Cough). He keeps talking about how we are changing our game style but he hasn't explained what he is trying to change it to. He is full or arrogance. Doesn't take any responsibility for where we are, feels no obligation to communicate meaningfully with supporters and be transparent and seems to think his job is safe as houses.

 

[Schtinker]

I come in peace. I’ve always had a soft spot for eagles mainly due to them always getting the wood over pies when it matters. What position do you guys think you should draft this year?

Would have to be mids. Sam Walsh for our 3rd rounder would help.

 

[Lynch takes a mark]

Recruiting and S+C staff must be shitting bricks right now.

Looking forward to seeing Shuey hand over the captaincy to Allen.

The farewell trip in the back of the Hilux for everybody over 31 prior to the first game at Optus will be the biggest moment at the ground since the flag was raised in 2019.

 

[Cuzz09]

Recruiting and S+C staff must be shitting bricks right now.

Looking forward to seeing Shuey hand over the captaincy to Allen.

The farewell trip in the back of the Hilux for everybody over 31 prior to the first game at Optus will be the biggest moment at the ground since the flag was raised in 2019.

"WERE GONNA NEED A BIGGER HILUX"

 

[ziad]

Allen, Willie back and the 21 draft is a solid start. Workable prospects but probably no Dangers/Martins etc.
This year we must focus on Mids and a ruckman unless the boy ruckman do something remarkable this season.
22 is a good opportunity with nothing to loose, just take on the game and grow players in roles agaist the 'new game plan'

Invest in quality S&C and sports medicine/science - its shallow in WA so we need to think creatively.
Rethink Club Leadership and focus on being great at footy and the key inputs. The mindset that created the problem isnt the one that will fix it. We need change duirng the year to bring in the better minds.

 

[ziad]

"WERE GONNA NEED A BIGGER HILUX"

Mack Truck

 

[shooshka]

Allen, Willie back and the 21 draft is a solid start. Workable prospects but probably no Dangers/Martins etc.
This year we must focus on Mids and a ruckman unless the boy ruckman do something remarkable this season.
22 is a good opportunity with nothing to loose, just take on the game and grow players in roles agaist the 'new game plan'

Invest in quality S&C and sports medicine/science - its shallow in WA so we need to think creatively.
Rethink Club Leadership and focus on being great at footy and the key inputs. The mindset that created the problem isnt the one that will fix it. We need change duirng the year to bring in the better minds.

It's going to take tough leadership. Not just Simpson, but also the senior players - and whilst I understand Hurn and Shuey disgusted walking off on their own as other players seemingly joked and smiled on Friday - I think in hindsight (and I understand they don't have the benefit of this in the moment) it may have been better to get all of the players in a huddle near the exit of the ground to cover the following points:

• something special happened with JK kicking his 700th (get a positive in)
• this is not the sort of loss that defines the club, it is now 3 in a row and the 22 there are fully responsible for it (I know they didn't all play all 3). What is done is done, but improvement starts as of leaving the field of play
• embrace the new game plan or play WAFL (tbf I think it may be a little of the older brigade struggling with it, so maybe wouldn't come across all that well to some who are trying really hard to play to the new plan).

Next step, and this is 100% on the coaches, undertake some serious fitness/running drills over the next 5-6 weeks. Plus contested, plus tackling. Maybe that is already happening and why we look flat (I hope so) - if not, then target AFL fitness post-bye. Without it, the whole year will be a waste, but at least if we get to AFL level fitness in our squad then the new game-plan can be the sole focus.


Agree about the S&C and Recruiting. I think they are an issue in that order, but realistically we can't turf a S&C leader or team mid-season, but recruiters maybe we can. I'm not even sure we need to get rid of them, just re-adjust the priorities. That said, Nic, Shep and Gaff (and Sheed, as a proxy top 10) were all actually the right choices at their selections. So historically when we have had top-10 picks we've done well.

 

[Marlin01]

I don’t think we should be spending draft picks or salary cap space on a ruckman at this stage. As mentioned by a previous poster, a big athletic bloke that can compete in the ruck and get around the ground is perfectly fine. Flags can be won with these types.

I wouldn’t mind if we spend our first pick on a KPP if there’s a prospective pick that justifies it. Realistically, we’re a minimum of 5 years away from a genuine flag tilt, so we’ll need a star KPP to compliment Allen and these players are the hardest to get onto your list. An 18yo KPP will probably need 5 years development at a minimum, so we need to start now.

If there isn’t a KPP that justifies our first round selection, we need to select a champion midfielder. Not a very good player, a champion. Anything less than a champion and we’ll be adding another year of waiting until our next flag tilt.

 

[ziad]

It's going to take tough leadership. Not just Simpson, but also the senior players - and whilst I understand Hurn and Shuey disgusted walking off on their own as other players seemingly joked and smiled on Friday - I think in hindsight (and I understand they don't have the benefit of this in the moment) it may have been better to get all of the players in a huddle near the exit of the ground to cover the following points:

• something special happened with JK kicking his 700th (get a positive in)
• this is not the sort of loss that defines the club, it is now 3 in a row and the 22 there are fully responsible for it (I know they didn't all play all 3). What is done is done, but improvement starts as of leaving the field of play
• embrace the new game plan or play WAFL (tbf I think it may be a little of the older brigade struggling with it, so maybe wouldn't come across all that well to some who are trying really hard to play to the new plan).

Next step, and this is 100% on the coaches, undertake some serious fitness/running drills over the next 5-6 weeks. Plus contested, plus tackling. Maybe that is already happening and why we look flat (I hope so) - if not, then target AFL fitness post-bye. Without it, the whole year will be a waste, but at least if we get to AFL level fitness in our squad then the new game-plan can be the sole focus.


Agree about the S&C and Recruiting. I think they are an issue in that order, but realistically we can't turf a S&C leader or team mid-season, but recruiters maybe we can. I'm not even sure we need to get rid of them, just re-adjust the priorities. That said, Nic, Shep and Gaff (and Sheed, as a proxy top 10) were all actually the right choices at their selections. So historically when we have had top-10 picks we've done well.

Unfortunately inseason is largely recovery after each game and maintenance of any fitness. It's all the body can take. Pre-season is the gift of fitness and santa didnt come to many including the idiot darling. Now is the time to build the S&C-Science team to plan now for the pre season. I would look at a dietition for the fat boys club as well.

It takes time to find and recruit good people. We have to start this week.

 

[Marlin01]

I know nothing about elite fitness. Can a club go from our current levels to above average in one preseason?

 

[shooshka]

Unfortunately inseason is largely recovery after each game and maintenance of any fitness. It's all the body can take. Pre-season is the gift of fitness and santa didnt come to many including the idiot darling. Now is the time to build the S&C-Science team to plan now for the pre season. I would look at a dietition for the fat boys club as well.

It takes time to find and recruit good people. We have to start this week.

I agree, it is what the body can take to perform at an elite level.

But we aren't performing at that level, or even close to it.

If a few guys are tired or sore on game day due to increased training loads I don't think our performance will be any worse tbh. If they bring effort it will be better.

On SM-G986B using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Cuzz09]

I know nothing about elite fitness. Can a club go from our current levels to above average in one preseason?

Surely. Just hammer them.

Id go for 10km runs every day then ice baths then match Sims all summer if I was getting $250k or whatever

Lift

 

[Jumpoff Joey]

He is full or arrogance. Doesn't take any responsibility for where we are, feels no obligation to communicate meaningfully with supporters and be transparent and seems to think his job is safe as houses.

Already rumblings of some members to remove simpson, my mates have been calling for it since 2019.

I still give him credit so, willing to give him until the end of 2023 to get his shit in a sock and figure it out. After that, Yze?

 

[Godfather32]

Already rumblings of some members to remove simpson, my mates have been calling for it since 2019.

I still give him credit so, willing to give him until the end of 2023 to get his shit in a sock and figure it out. After that, Yze?

So he's got credits in the bank with you?

 

[Free Agent]

B Sheppard right now would be like phew. So glad I retired last season.

Sent from my CPH2025 using Tapatalk

 

[Jumpoff Joey]

So he's got credits in the bank with you?

No, I just think with injuries/covid he hasnt had a fair shot this season. And i know this club has a long standing of making decisions that are well thought out and conservative. It is the sole reason we are one of the most successful and biggest, and financial behemoth clubs in the comp. Winning is our DNA, losing is not.

I think we (supporters) cant take a step back and get emotional and just sack him because we are shit at this point of time. Simmo has got us to the big dance in 2015 and won us the Holy grail in 2018, its not the like the bloke can't coach because there are 13 clubs who cant say that in the last decade.

Comparing to other clubs we are entitled group but it is also a blessing that makes this club accountable to always bring success. And what would a interim coach bring right now? We dont need wins or a sugar hit, if anything we need losses so we get pick 1.

So I am willing to the roll the dice, history shows in the last 10 years he can make the team competitive. If i am wrong, well Pick 1 or 2 will be ours again which will only help in the long run.

Right now calls for calm heads, we have a whole season to plan and get us on the right path to get another premiership within the next 8 years.

 

[Godfather32]

No, I just think with injuries/covid he hasnt had a fair shot this season. And i know this club has a long standing of making decisions that are well thought out and conservative. It is the sole reason we are one of the most successful and biggest, and financial behemoth clubs in the comp. Winning is our DNA, losing is not.

I think we (supporters) cant take a step back and get emotional and just sack him because we are shit at this point of time. Simmo has got us to the big dance in 2015 and won us the Holy grail in 2018, its not the like the bloke can't coach because there are 13 clubs who cant say that in the last decade.

Comparing to other clubs we are entitled group but it is also a blessing that makes this club accountable to always bring success. And what would a interim coach bring right now? We dont need wins or a sugar hit, if anything we need losses so we get pick 1.

So I am willing to the roll the dice, history shows in the last 10 years he can make the team competitive. If i am wrong, well Pick 1 or 2 will be ours again which will only help in the long run.

Right now calls for calm heads, we have a whole season to plan and get us on the right path to get another premiership within the next 8 years.

You literally just described credits in the bank without saying it

 

[Jumpoff Joey]

You literally just described credits in the bank without saying it

I say plan, see what our options are, look at the club during game day find what is working and what is not. Have a internal review but im not sacking Simpson in the next 48 hours, nor the next two rounds.

So far Simpson has got the gig, until there is a better option that can improve the long term vision of premiership in the next 8 years. If that means credits in the bank, then great. But i wouldnt be rushing any decision is the point i am trying to make.

 

[Deplorable trumpster]

Already rumblings of some members to remove simpson, my mates have been calling for it since 2019.

I still give him credit so, willing to give him until the end of 2023 to get his shit in a sock and figure it out. After that, Yze?

It is not so much about credits in the bank with me. And it is not about blaming people either. It is more the question of whether Simpson is the right person to pull us out of this very big hole we are in. Some of these problems have been there for 3 season now. The poor and entitled internal attitude at the club, the fitness issues, the inability or unwillingness of players to run both ways, the inability of unwillingness to tackle and make the tackles stick. He has had no answers and not even really made any attempt to deal with these issues. At this point i am willing to assume it is a given that these problems will not be rectified under Simpson.

I don't think it is all Simpson's fault, although some of it is. And i don't even think there is much point in focussing too much on who to blame anyway. The question is who can take us forward from here. As great as the 2018 flag was, the question in this moment is who can take us forward from here. I Just don't think he can do it. All i hear is Covid excuses and downplaying of what are horrendous performances.

In any case, judging by the article on Fox Sports, the clubs response is exactly what we thought it was going to be and it isn't changing non - playing football department personel. It looks like they are going hell for leather to buy some players, starting with Luke Jackson. It is a good idea that we are exploring the options. The fear is that we will get tunnel vision for a player again like we did with Kelly and overpay for them and promote them as the saviour. We need to be willing to walk away if we can't get a bargain and not just buy a player at any cost just in order to create some positive headlines and make it look like we are doing something.

 

[ziad]

I say plan, see what our options are, look at the club during game day find what is working and what is not. Have a internal review but im not sacking Simpson in the next 48 hours, nor the next two rounds.

So far Simpson has got the gig, until there is a better option that can improve the long term vision of premiership in the next 8 years. If that means credits in the bank, then great. But i wouldnt be rushing any decision is the point i am trying to make.

all decisiosn are about chosing the best option available.

 

[Avalor]

Watching the Colts game between EP vs EF at the moment, and some of you have talked about prospects before on here. Our NGA, Baker, I think, looks just what we need. Maxwell the big EP ruckman also a likely prospect. For EF, Cleaver and Hagan look the goods.

 

[Cuzz09]

B Sheppard right now would be like phew. So glad I retired last season.

Sent from my CPH2025 using Tapatalk

Yeah he'd be stoked with brain issues... nah I know what u mean.

I reckon he would have been a rock down back though.

 

[wraglesweb]

How good is draft night going to be though ....