REINVENTING oneself as a coach and being relevant in the modern game were two themes that Adam Simpson examined late last year, following back-to-back seasons that tested one of thampionship coach’s enduringhe c characteristics.
Throughout his 532 AFL games as a player and senior coach, Simpson had always believed his team could win. But that belief was finally shaken during the most difficult stages of two West Coast seasons, which yielded only five victories and featured seven losses of more than 100 points.
The 47-year-old wasn’t sure if he’d be managing the Eagles in 2024, but if he was, it was apparent that a youth-led reconstruction would take off once the nucleus of older players and leaders who helped the Eagles win the 2018 championship left.
So when he was endorsed by the Eagles board to continue as coach and his attention shifted to how he could adapt alongside his team’s changing dynamics, Simpson drew up plans for a week-long personal development trip to the United States, with a focus on learning more about educating young athlete.
“I hadn’t been able to do it in a few years because to COVID, but I had a fantastic opportunity this year. Simpson told AFL.com.au that he sought out more educators than coaches.
“I did touch up with a few instructors, particularly those who had been around for a while. How do they continue to reinvent themselves and remain relevant in the modern game? I did quite a bit of that.”
During a hectic seven-day schedule that included trips to major sports clubs, Simpson met with Gregg Ritchie, the 60-year-old head coach of the George Washington University baseball team.
Ritchie has been in charge of the Colonials since 2013, taking over the same year that Simpson did with the Eagles, and he is the collegiate team’s second winningest coach in history. Ritchsie’ background as a college-age athlete educator made him an ideal fit for Simpson’s exploration of the concepts of longevity and reinvention
He came in last year intending to be the man to spearhead the West Coast’s rebirth, but he knew it might not happen. When asked if his perspective had altered after a stressful year, he said, “Not at all.” My lifespan is not something I’m really concerned with. He came in last year intending to be the man to spearhead the West Coast’s rebirth, but he knew it might not happen. When asked if his perspective had altered after a stressful year, he said, “Not at all.” My lifespan is not something I’m really concerned with.
“I’ve been here for a while, so whatever happens, I’d like to set us up. I’d love to be a part of it, but if not, that’s fine. “We just need to get this right.”
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