West Coast AFL coach Adam Simpson is adamant he's still the right man for the top job, saying he hasn't needed to seek reassurances from the club's hierarchy about his position.
Simpson's job has come under the spotlight after last week's shock loss to Collingwood, dealing a crushing blow to West Coast's finals hopes. The Eagles need to win at least three of their final five games to scrape into the top eight.
Last-quarter fadeouts have become a big problem this season for West Coast, and Simpson concedes his team probably aren't fit or fast enough.
Worryingly, he said those areas couldn't be fixed this year.
But the fourth-year coach insists the future for West Coast is bright, and he wants to be the one to lead them to glory.
"All can say is I'm up for the fight and I'm really optimistic about our future," Simpson said.
"The age profile of our list will change very, very quickly - I guarantee that.
"We can't dismiss our whole list and we can't just bottom out and just play the kids and write off the season.
"It's still up for grabs. We'll do everything we can to win this week and keep an eye on the future as well."
West Coast will need to make a series of tough calls over coming months to reinvigorate theIR list.
Although Drew Petrie and Sam Mitchell are expected to retire, questions are being raised about the futures of Mark LeCras, Matt Priddis, Sharrod Wellingham, Chris Masten, Sam Butler, Josh Hill and Eric Mackenzie.
Priddis recently signed a one-year contract extension. But his dramatic drop in form means the Brownlow medallist is no certainty to see out the deal.
LeCras has come in for the heaviest criticism.
David King, who played alongside Simpson in North Melbourne's 1996 and '99 flag-winning teams, said LeCras should never feature again at AFL level after a string of poor efforts.
Simpson said he didn't feel a need to ring King about the criticism, describing the comments as irrelevant.
"He can make his comments and judgements; I'm not going to fight that fight with those guys," Simpson said.
"To suggest he'll never play again - that's someone's opinion, not mine."
West Coast will start as hot favourites on Sunday against Brisbane at Domain Stadium.
Simpson will consider debuting young midfielder Luke Partington, who has been racking up big numbers in the WAFL.
Simpson says if Scott Lycett (shoulder) fails to prove his fitness, it's likely the ruckman's season will be over.
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