In the run-up to season 2024, veteran broadcaster Tim Gossage feels that the Western Australian clubs in the AFL are receiving a tough evaluation of their coaches.
Adam Simpson and Justin Longmuir are in the running since West Coast is coming off a wooden spoon season and Fremantle is trying to recover from a poor 2023.
If Simpson is to stay in the position, the Eagles need to do better this year, while the Dockers want to finish in the top eight in Longmuir’s contract year.
But Gossage feels they have both been given the pointy end of the stick, especially from media outside of WA, compared to opposition coaches who are also under the pump
“And I don’t want to turn it into a ‘us versus them’ situation, but you know me—I’m narrow-minded, localized, and I do fight for Western Australia.”
“They have blinders on if they don’t think some other coaches are under the pump more than Adam Simpson and Justin Longmuir, but I’m not invested in either team over here,” the speaker said.
Gossage specifically singled out Ken Hinkley of Port Adelaide, who has a respectable home and away record but has not yet managed to pull off a major upset.
He believes that Ross Lyon, the St Kilda coach who is currently on his third AFL opportunity, has not yet fully lived up to his potential.
Gossage went on, “Whether or not Ken Hinkley has a deal, if he’s not under the pump, I’m a monkey’s uncle.”
“Under his leadership, they have significantly underperformed.
“Winning premierships is the true measure of success; reaching the Grand Finals is not it.”
Ross Lyon is a fantastic tactical coach, according to everyone. In summary, he could certainly conclude his coaching career with a successful (winning) %, but without any red flags.
“As a coach, I have never coached a game and I have never won a flag. He’s had a ton of opportunities.
“Coaches like that are likely to be prevalent. Adam Simpson cannot have that taken away from him.
Simpson guided the Eagles to the 2018 Premiership, of course, but in the last two seasons, he has only managed five victories as a coach, finding the job a little more difficult.
Along with North Melbourne, they are both considered equal favorites to win another spoon going into the 2024 season by most bookmakers.
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