Priddis points finger at Eagles' effort
West Coast midfielder Matt Priddis says the players have faith in Adam Simpson’s game plan and simply failed to bring the effort required in their 38-point loss to North Melbourne at Patersons Stadium last night.
The Eagles now face a six-day break before they take on Hawthorn in Tasmania on Saturday.
The players gathered at City Beach for recovery this morning, with Priddis facing the music after the disappointing result left them with a 4-6 record in 2014.
“Just the consistency of effort from week to week isn’t there,” Priddis said.
“The most disappointing thing for me is that the effort for the four quarters just wasn’t evident.
“We were beaten in really important aspects of the game and that’s very disappointing.
“I felt that coming from the Collingwood game that we were on the improve.
“But in that game, again, 15 minutes of footy cost us the game.
“Last night the disappointing thing was it was four quarters of it.
“For us not to be competitive it’s just not good enough.”
Priddis, who was one of his side’s best with 32 disposals, six clearances and two goals, said Simpson had been fantastic since taking over from John Worsfold.
“We’ve got a very simple strategy and what we want to go into games with to perform,” he said.
“It’s the players.
“Last night it was effort, and that’s a cop out.
“That’s the most disappointing thing for AFL footballers to rock up and dish that up, it doesn’t matter who’s coaching it’s purely the players.”
The club is hopeful Xavier Ellis will be fit to take on his former side after being substituted out with a corked leg last night.
Brad Sheppard was also limping noticeably at City Beach this morning and looks to have a sore hamstring.
