Coach says Roos far from best form

Brendon Simpson's debut as Kalgoorlie's senior coach culminated with a win over Mines Rovers on Sunday, but he admits the defending Goldfields Football League premiers are still a fair way off their best form.

The Roos, who this season are chasing back-to-back flags for the first time since 1953-54, generally controlled what was a scrappy affair to win by 28 points, 11.15 (81) to 7.11 (53).

"It was round one, we had some injuries and in that respect, it was just nice to get through," Simpson said.

"In the second quarter, I would certainly have liked us to have converted more often - especially given the amount of ball we had.

"We weren't overly efficient, but hats off to Mines too because they are a quality outfit with or without (injured player-coach) Dion (Fleay)."

Simpson rated his team's overall performance a "seven out of 10".

"We were a fair way off being full strength and with a lot of new blokes playing together for the first time," he said.

"But in terms of endeavour and our ability to get through the game, I'm reasonably happy.

"For me personally, this is a very proud football league and it's nice to be part of it."

In Mines Rovers' camp, Fleay - who is out for the season with a knee injury - was reasonably satisfied with the squad's first-up effort.

But he conceded basic skill errors had been costly.

"There were definitely periods for us when it all came together quite well, but for the most part it was a war of attrition," Fleay said.

"We were within striking distance (after trailing by 13 points at half-time), but it was probably a period of about five minutes late in the third quarter which cost us.

"There were a few opportunities for us to really hurt them (Kalgoorlie) through the middle, but we turned the ball over through skill errors and they kicked three goals which was pretty much the game."

The loss came at a cost, with recruit Nathan Twomey likely to join Fleay on the sidelines after sustaining a calf injury.

Fleay said Twomey could likely miss up to four weeks.

For me personally, this is a very proud football league and it's nice to be part of it.

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• Brendon Simpson *