Former North Melbourne captain Adam Simpson spent more than a decade as coach of West Coast, including the 2018 premiership.
Playing career[]
After playing junior football with Eltham and the Northern Knights, Simpson was drafted by North Melbourne in the 1993 draft. He made his debut in 1995 and played in the Roos' premiership the following year, as well as the 1999 flag. The hard-nosed midfielder won North's best and fairest in 2002, as well as selection in the All-Australian team.
Simpson replaced Anthony Stevens as the Kangaroos' captain ahead of the 2004 season, continuing in the role through to 2008. He announced his retirement late in the 2009 season after 306 games.
Coaching career[]
On his retirement Simpson took a role on Hawthorn's coaching panel. After helping the Hawks to the 2013 flag as the assistant in charge of the midfield, he was appointed as West Coast's head coach to replace the outgoing John Worsfold. Simpson led the Eagles to a grand final in his second season, and to the premiership in 2018. After the side made finals for six straight seasons between 2015 and 2020, they dropped badly, culminating in a wooden spoon in 2023. With significant public pressure for a change, eventually the club announced that Simpson would stand down midway through 2024, despite having more than a year to run on his contract. He left after 242 games (one less than Mick Malthouse) and a winning percentage above 50.
Awards and achievements[]
Premiership medals in 1996 and 1999 (with North Melbourne)
Jock McHale Medal in 2018
North Melbourne best and fairest in 2002
All-Australian selection in 2002
References[]
News: Simpson appointed as coach
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1. Ryan, 2. Waterman, 3. Baker, 4. Sheed, 5. Hunt, 6. Yeo, 7. Ginbey, 8. Hewett, 9. H.Reid |