West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson is “furious and disappointed” that some of his players opted to attend a nightclub in the wake of the team’s 109-point thrashing at the hands of Richmond.
With the club having grappled with COVID-19 outbreaks all year, the Eagles confirmed players were under investigation after photos emerged of players at a popular Perth night spot the day after the Richmond clash.
“The West Coast Eagles are aware that some players attended a Leederville nightclub last Saturday and are continuing to investigate the matter,” a club statement read on Friday afternoon.
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“Given the current environment and the peak in COVID-19 cases in Perth the club is devastated that some players opted to go out publicly as they have done.
“Senior coach Adam Simpson, in quarantine under AFL health and safety protocols, said: ‘I am furious and disappointed with the actions of these players’.
“The club has gone to great lengths in educating the players around the need to adhere to club guidelines and it is beyond disappointing that they have put themselves in this situation.
“It is particularly disheartening given the strain on player availability at this stage of the season.
“At the earliest opportunity the club will meet with the players concerned.”
After having its pre-season ravaged by a COVID-19 outbreak within the club, the Eagles currently sit last on the ladder with a paltry 1-6 record after seven rounds.
Eight players join Simpson in the health and safety protocols, with at least two top-up players required for the Eagles to be able to field a team in round eight.
West Coast could have as few as 20 AFL-listed players available for the game against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night, pending their final captain’s run. The Eagles had a 26-player contingent fly to Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.
“We’ll be travelling with 26 and then make decisions from there,” stand-in coach Matthew Knights said prior to the trip to Queensland.
“We’ve got four WAFL guys travelling with us. I think at least two of them will play in the 22. We’ll make those final decisions in Brisbane tomorrow.”