Pagan's pre-game advice for Simpson
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Denis Pagan drew on the memories of North Melbourne’s 1998 disappointment when he encouraged Adam Simpson to talk to West Coast staff about ensuring they remained on an even keel during the grand final.
Dual Kangaroos premiership coach Pagan presented the Jock McHale medal to Eagles coach Simpson after West Coast’s thrilling win over Collingwood on Sunday, but it wasn’t the pair’s first interaction for the day.
Simpson texted his old coach on Friday night, wanting to speak to Pagan ahead of the game. Simpson called Pagan on Saturday morning, with the pair having a low-key five-minute chat. They didn’t discuss tactics, but Pagan referenced the ‘98 grand final loss to Adelaide, and what happened at half-time in the North rooms after the players went down the race leading by 24 points.
“All our staff were clapping and screaming, and it probably wasn’t the right sort of environment. I just said to them, ‘you’d better pull your heads in and be quiet please.’ I didn’t say it like that!” Pagan told The Age on Monday.
“I just said to Adam, ‘look I’d probably talk to your staff and just tell them to be the same as normal. Cool, calm and calculating, and don’t get caught up with the occasion or the emotion.’
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