Worsfold admits doubts over future after latest horror loss
Out-of-contract coach admits doubts on future after latest horror loss
WEST Coast coach John Worsfold says the Eagles' poor finish to the season has challenged his self-belief and he would understand if the club's faith in him had wavered.
The Eagles’ horror season plunged to new depths against Collingwood on Friday night, kicking just five goals in recording their lowest-ever score at the MCG in the 62-point loss to the Magpies, 5.9 (39).
The thrashing was their second consecutive defeat by more than 10 goals after last Saturday's loss at home against Geelong, where the Eagles recorded their lowest score at Patersons Stadium in their history, 6.5 (41).
Out of contract, Worsfold insisted he still wanted to coach the club beyond this season, but said he expected his position to be challenged by members and supporters.
"I'm sure the club will have some doubts about it at the moment," he said on Friday night.
"It challenges your self-belief as a coach and your desire, all those sorts of things.
"I'll definitely reflect on it and have some really good dialogue with people I respect at the footy club.
"I understand if their confidence wavers and in the end we have to make a decision."
Worsfold is due to present to the Eagles' board at the end of the season after what chief executive Trevor Nisbett said on Friday night would be a thorough review of the entire football department.
Less than 12 months ago the Eagles were playing for a position in a preliminary final, and Worsfold said he was confident the group could still achieve good things.
"There is a saying about nothing worth achieving is easy, and you've got to fight through some challenges," he said.
"From my perspective, I need to be clear that I can get the group back up and going.
"And from the club's perspective, they have to also believe that I am the right person to take the club forward.
"Up until the last fortnight we've been on the same page with that."
The Eagles' season, which Worsfold described as "really disappointing", has been cruelled by injuries to key players.
On Friday night, key forward Jack Darling was substituted with hamstring tightness and midfielder Sharrod Wellingham suffered the third ankle injury of his cursed campaign.
"He's a pretty laid back bloke, but I know he's disappointed with his year," Worsfold said of Wellingham, who played his first game against his old club.
"What's that going to do to him? Is that going to drive him to take his game to the next level over the summer and into next year?"
With the majority of their key injured players already sent for season-ending surgery, Worsfold the Eagles were unlikely to receive reinforcements against Adelaide in round 23.
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