There’s concerns around two struggling clubs amid winless starts to 2024 – including fears one mightn’t win a game this season.
An undermanned Eagles were put to the sword by the Western Bulldogs by 76 points on Sunday in a game Adam Simpson’s side kicked just three goals.
In what marked West Coast’s lowest ever total at Marvel Stadium (30), it’s already prompted calls for priority pick assistance from the AFL at season’s end for the 2023 wooden spooners, who won three games last year.
“They are just off – and if you’re just off in this game, you’re nowhere. It’s just a metre here, a metre there,” King said on The First Crack.
“I just think they’re small, small margins, but you’ve got to get them right. That’s a learned skill, so for me it’s time. People don’t want to hear it’s time, but they’re the realities.
“It happens when it happens. For some guys, it’ll happen over one meeting. Others, it might never come. Those that it’s never going to come, cya later. But for those that are quick to adapt and ply their trade and allow their talents to work, they’ll be played every week.
“They don’t have enough talent at the moment – we all know that – but you don’t need talent to win.”
King also implored Simpson to “get creative” with McGovern and try swinging him forward more.
“How many times can you just save the game behind the ball? Throw him forward every now and then and see if you can kick a score,” King added.
“They’re (Eagles fans) not going to go and watch three goals a week, simple as that.”
