West Coast coach Adam Simpson has declared he still has the support of his players despite a report that indicated otherwise.
In the local West Australian paper, it was divulged that a "growing number" of Eagles players didn't see Simpson as head coach in 2025 as the club faces the worst period in its 37-year existence.
When pressed on Friday, the 2018 premiership coach was adamant that he had the backing of the group but was pragmatic in that there would be aggrieved players during the process of "trying to get better".
"It's not ideal but it's not uncommon either," Simpson told reporters on Friday.
"It happens all the time... happens when I was under Dennis (Pagan), happened when I worked with Clarko so I think take it for what it is and move on.
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"I am (confident I have the support of the playing group).
"We got 15-20 players who don't get a game every week. We have 10 players who will be off the list at the end of the year. So there'll always be people who are disgruntled. It's just a part of the job so we can't apologise for trying to get better.
"But I think I still have the players."
Simpson was frustrated with how the information was released and made it clear that he'd attempt to "unite" the players immediately as they look toward Sunday's clash with Melbourne at the MCG.
"It's just part of the job. I think I've still got the players. I don't ride the rollercoaster like the media. Nothing has changed from the start of the year around what we want to get better at. We need to respond this week," Simpson said.
"It's a little bit grubby from the paper's point of view. But the media have a job to do. The fact that it gets out like that, I don't have any control over that. I'll talk to the players today and unite today."
Despite the public backlash, Simpson remained confident that the club is on the right track, blooding plenty of youth in the side while the availability of senior stars has assisted in righting the ship.
"All I can do is do my job. I can only control what I can control. If the club has a conversation with me then that happens. I'm committed to the build," Simpson added.
"You take the good with the bad. The enthusiasm we had with the wins earlier this year was great, but the last week's reaction shows you how you can't ride the wave the way the media does.
"We've given some really good opportunities to young players, but they are really young. Most guys that played last week will play this week. We need to look at playing two rucks, players in different positions, that's what we're looking at.
"Our senior players have been available this year. They have been really good a lot of the time this year. And we need them to be educating our young players."
One of those young players is first-year sensation Harley Reid, who has burst onto the scene in his opening 12 games in the league.
Spoken about at length, Reid will finally get to step onto the field of the MCG, the ancestral home of the AFL.
"Harley hasn't played at the 'G. So that will be good for him. We will train there as well which is a great opportunity as well," Simpson said.
Sunday's game against the Demons will be the only time the Eagles venture out to the home of football in 2024.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The last time these teams met (Round 10), Reid showcased his immense talent against the Melbourne outfit, leading the club to its third and most recent win.