Coach’s startling claim about the future of AFL

West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson has made a stunning claim about the future of how AFL clubs will have to recruit to cope with the ongoing financial difficulties thrown up by Covid.

A number of clubs have had to cull their football departments to fall in line with the league’s soft cap, and Simpson believes the depleted resources could have wide-ranging effects.

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“We’re probably a coach short and a couple of medicos short as well and I’ve said this before but it does affect who you draft and develop,” Simpson told 3AW.

“You’re more inclined to go safer in the draft and you’ll draft the same type of player — Mum and Dad are still married, kids go to the private school, not too much of a hassle off-field.

“You really want to go for the talent and geez this kid needs a lot of help, we can resource that with support around the mental health issues or family support or learning difficulties. These types of things you’re happy to take a risk on because you can resource it but we just don’t have that anymore.

Simpson’s comments about clubs potentially focusing on recruits from private school backgrounds caused controversy.Source:Getty Images

“The more resourcing we can have the more risk takers we can take and that’s probably the main thing and it’ll affect the product in the long run.”

However, after furore on social media over his polarising comments about the backgrounds of future recruits, Simpson walked back on his initial thoughts.

“I sincerely apologise if I have offended anyone with the reports that have stemmed from the initial interview,” Simpson wrote in a club statement.

“It was never my intent — nor has it been the club’s position — that any players would receive preferential treatment.

The Eagles have often flattered to deceive this season.Source:Getty Images

“The point I was making around drafting young players in the current environment with football department resources being stretched, is that it becomes more difficult to provide the necessary support to help some kids succeed.

“Our club and I have always supported diversity and the various pathways available to them to play at the highest level and we will continue to do so.

“We all love those great stories and celebrate the people who take different journeys to make their mark on the game.”

Simpson will need to quickly shift his attention to the Eagles’ match against St Kilda on Saturday, as they prepare for the end-of-season run-in.

The Perth-based outfit sit in seventh spot on the ladder, but have four clubs — including St Kilda — nipping at their heels with just one win separating Simpson’s side from the chasing pack.

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