Simpson delivers career best haul

Four goals was a nice way for Eddie Simpson to finish his day out at Leederville Oval on Saturday as a leading light in the Royals’ 35-point win over Swan Districts.

But Simpson said there is no doubting that his successful day in attack came off the hard work of East Perth’s midfield.

“It was pleasing to get on the end of a couple of grabs and a couple of goals,” Simpson told 91.3 SportFM on Monday.

“I’m quite reliant on what the boys are doing further up the field, it was basically perfect delivery coming in.”

The Royals won the clearance battle 39-28 and inside 50 count 46-27 on the weekend, as Simpson notched the career best haul.

“I’ve been working pretty closely and getting some chemistry with the midfield group. It worked out pretty well on the weekend.

“If we’re winning our one on ones, kicking the ball high, and to our advantage – that’s where we can use our strengths a lot.

“I think the games where we’ve done poorly as talls is when we’ve all got in each other’s space. We’ve got plenty of tall players, but when we kick it to the right spots, it works really well for us.”

With Simpson (199cm), Scott Jones (205cm), Ajang Ajang (198cm), Tom Amos (197cm), Jonathan Freeman (199cm) and Sebit Kuek (193cm) all spending time in the forward line this season, the Royals have plenty of big-man options.

“It’s worth quite a bit, when the game’s under the pump and you can find a contested mark,” Simpson said.

“Jonesy is so good at doing that, he’s so big, if you put it in his general vicinity he’ll take it. With Amos, AJ, Freeman and young Sebit coming through, we’ve got a lot of tall timber.”

Simpson has played 15 league games for East Perth since arriving from Claremont mid-way through last season.

“One of the main drivers (to come to East Perth) was the opportunity to play league footy.

“I spoke with Jeremy Barnard and he told me a bit about the club and he reinforced that there would be opportunity, if I could perform.

“The club has a massive history and some really good people involved.

“I’m really glad I made the move. I’ve played more league games now for the Royals than I played at Claremont. I’m feeling really at home now and really welcomed. I really love the joint.”

Simpson said League coach Jeremy Barnard’s competitive nature had been instilled in the group. Barnard won three premierships as a player for East Perth between 2000-2002.

“All he wants is the best out of us,” Simpson said.

“He’s such a competitive person. He’s the most recent premiership winning captain, so he’s got that respect from everyone.” 

East Perth will travel to Fremantle Oval this Saturday, September 5, to face South Fremantle in a must-win clash to keep their season alive.

Royals supporters are welcome to watch the match from a pop-up bar, located at the north east section of the ground.