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Roo star under-rated by Matt Harrington, Radio Sport 927 June 7, 2002 Football is a team game. Twenty-two players match up against twenty-two each week and slog out a result. Within the team there are rankings. The rankings aren't official, but it's how supporters and opposition clubs view each club. Everyone has an opinion about every player. The media applauds champion players, many players are known as quality players, waiting to take the next step. Other players can become pigeonholed as reliable or even just fringe players. It's a fact of life; each player comes under scrutiny of the experts and the never-played-before-but-I-sit-in-the-outer-and-have-an-opinion type of fans. Everyone has different opinions about which player fits into which category. There is one player at the Kangaroos, who has been under-rated for far too long. Finally after years of great service Adam Simpson is receiving some kudos. With the Roos dominating the 90s, and having an abundant of stars - Carey, Archer, McKernan, Schwass just to name a few - the dual-premiership star went about his footy unnoticed. He was considered a reliable player by Roo fans, and just a tagger by opposition clubs. That seemed to fit fine with the no-frills No.7. He was probably happy to contribute in his own way, stop the opposition's best player and leave the match-winning feats to Carey and co. However, it all changed that fateful day earlier this season when the Kangaroos-Carey romance ended.
Simpson has always had a committed, high work-rate, unfashionable style of football, which endeared him to Roo fans. He has been playing like this for years, but now with the added scrutiny on the Kangaroos since the King's inglorious departure, Simpson is suddenly being noticed for his deeds. Opposition clubs have surely not given him the respect he deserves. He is clearly the Roos best on-baller this season. But then again how do you tag a tagger? Lately it appears as though coach Denis Pagan has cut his leash and has seemingly run free and picked up kicks at will. How long will he be allowed to run free? It's a situation, which surely gives Pagan a wry-smile. If clubs target Simpson to take him out of the play, he can be given a run-with role on a star opponent. Suddenly the opposition player has to worry and the scrappy, courageous left-footer. With a bit of luck the Roos could be in the top four at present, and have really surprised everyone with the team's undying commitment and courage. They are probably under-rated by most clubs, but look like a good chance at making the eight. If opposition clubs continue to under-rate Simpson, the Roos will get there, and he might snare an award or two as well. Balls and All.....this month • Roo star under-rated Matt Harrington, 7 June 2002 • Superstars or prima donnas Matt Harrington, 5 June 2002 • Index of all stories |
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