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West Coast sink to record lows in AFL

3 minute read

West Coast coach Adam Simpson says it's "bloody tough" to own the club's worst-ever start to an AFL season.

ADAM SIMPSON.
ADAM SIMPSON. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images

Adam Simpson says it's "bloody tough" to be the coach of West Coast's worst start to an AFL season.

After slipping to a 31-point away loss to Adelaide on Saturday, the Eagles hit a record low: one win and 11 losses.

"You don't want that," Simpson said after Adelaide's 13.10 (88) to 8.9 (57) on a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval.

"It's just where it is at the moment so we need to own it, we are not making excuses.

"That is really disappointing."

The Eagles have never been so low since joining the competition in 1987.

"It's bloody tough at the moment," Simpson said.

"It's tough for the club and the players and our supporters and we understand the frustration."

On Saturday, the Crows belted the Eagles in the opening quarter, kicking kicking five goals to none to lead by 31 points at the first break.

Simpson took some heart that his side then held sway, with the quarter-time margin the same as the final deficit.

"For that, we will take positives," he said.

"We had some small wins today but we're still a long way off."

The Eagles were unable to quell Adelaide's attack, headlined by Taylor Walker.

The former Crows captain spoke mid-week of his desire to be offered another contract for next season.

And he made a compelling on-field case with three goals, 22 disposals, 10 score involvements and eight marks in wet conditions.

"I will just sign his contract for him," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said with a smile.

"I have said it so many times, in fact I said it 12 months ago to the day, we were in the same position: the club are working through with Tex on what that looks like going forward.

"He was really strong, especially in that first half when he was so influential on the game."

Walker's fellow forwards Shane McAdam and Darcy Fogarty also slotted three goals each as the Crows snapped a five-game losing streak.

Adelaide's dual club champion Rory Laird was also instrumental, his game-high 33 disposals including a goal, six inside 50s and eight clearances - he also laid 10 tackles.

On-ballers Jackson Hately (25 touches), Matt Crouch (27) and Ben Keays (29) also revelled in the wet as the Crows banked a fourth win of the season.

West Coast's Andrew Gaff (30 touches, one goal), Tim Kelly (25 disposals) and captain Luke Shuey (27 possessions, eight inside 50s) battled against the tide and Jack Darling kicked two goals.

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