Simpson returns to footy as local coach

It’s an unlikely place, but Mullewa, 100km east of Geraldton, could be home to the biggest prospect for the 2016 AFL draft.

Mullewa Football Club coach Josh Simpson is loving life, just a year on from being delisted from his dream — playing footy at the highest level.

Simpson has recently accepted a position as a youth worker at the Mullewa Youth Centre, planning to mentor and inspire youth.

He grew up in Yalgoo, 120km east of Mullewa.

Simpson said his home town is very similar to his new home.

“I grew up the same way as kids in Mullewa, doing the same things as they do,” he said.

“I used to think one day I’d like to work at the Youth Centre, and help the kids out and give back to the kids.

“To be in that position now and give back to the kids, it’s a goal I’ve achieved.”

Just less than three months since being appointed coach of the Mullewa Football Club, Simpson said the club had been the perfect fit for him.

Despite the daunting prospecting of coaching a group who are in some cases more than a decade older than the 21-yearold, Simpson said the group has been welcoming.

The challenge may not seem big to some, but in football sense this is huge.

“(The) first week or two was a bit shaky,” he admitted.

“I wanted good numbers to training, and I’ve had 20 every training session, so good numbers.

“It’s looking like a good year, I reckon.”

Despite being delisted from Fremantle last year, the saying “don’t get bitter, get better” shines through in Simpson’s philosophy.

He said respect is a key factor in taking the troops on the journey they want to go.

“Respect is a two-way street, and when I first walked in the door as a coach, that was what I was looking for,” he said.

“As they saw I was on ‘their side’, they returned the favour and respect came my way as well.

“Respect is a key thing in life, and obviously it’s a big thing at a football club.”

The turbulent 12 months continued for Simpson when his house burnt down in January.

Simpson, girlfriend Bobbii-Lee, and children Izaiah, 4, and Indi, 3 are still without a house.

The four are living with Bobbii-Lee’s parents in Mullewa.

Simpson said it had been really tough.

“We’re looking at houses all over the place, Mullewa and Geraldton,” he said.

“It’s been a roller-coaster getting a house, it’s tough right now.

“I’m enjoying the footy side of it, but not having a home is the hardest thing.”

Simpson said he wants to play the year at Mullewa, and at the end of the season, will listen to calls from WAFL clubs.

It’s expected Simpson will return to the WAFL next year, and from there the world is his oyster.

“I’ve received a lot of good positive feedback from members of the community,” he said.

“So I know I’m on the right track, doing the right thing. “I’m loving it at Mullewa.”

Mullewa kicks off their season against Brigades at GBSC Sports Park on April 25.