Simpson goes bush to coach
Former Fremantle Docker Josh Simpson has turned his back on the WAFL to become playing coach at Mullewa.
The 20-year-old was originally expected to join East Fremantle after training with the Sharks, his original WAFL club, in the build-up to last month's national draft.
But Simpson chose to move to Mullewa, 450km north of Perth, with his partner and their two children, after being overlooked by AFL clubs.
He has agreed to coach Mullewa in the Great Northern Football League for 2015, fresh from completing a certificate three in sport coaching during his time with Fremantle.
Simpson, the 2012 No.17 draft pick, broke into the Fremantle side against Essendon in round four last season but failed to show up for a flight to Sydney as an emergency the next week.
The club later suspended him from playing and training duties and asked him to complete a personal development course.
He was de-listed in October after playing two AFL matches in two seasons.
Mullewa president Peter Sweeney said Simpson's strengths were his experience in the AFL and WAFL systems despite his relatively young age.
"He doesn't drink, doesn't smoke," Sweeney said.
"He's living in Mullewa and he applied for the job. What really impressed me was he's been in the AFL system.
"He only played two games, but he still had to do the same drills as (Matthew) Pavlich."
