265: Adam Simpson (Part A)
4/14/202652 min
He really has experienced it all in footy. A two-time premiership player, a premiership coach, even a wooden spoon… and now a man watching it all unfold from the commentary box.
Simmo really has lived every layer of the game. Simmo opens up on the brutal reality of being sacked, when the noise gets loud, the pressure turns personal, and even your own kids are asking, “how haven’t you got the sack yet?”.
But this episode isn’t just about those BIG moments, it’s full of gold. From the legendary $10K Mad Monday cash splash after the 2018 flag, to the coaching mistakes that shaped him, and the lessons every aspiring AFL coach needs to hear. There’s the Shinboner spirit of the 90s, wild stories of a different era, and deep reflections on legacy, leadership, and what success really means when it’s all said and done. It’s candid, funny, and incredibly insightful, the full journey of a man who’s truly seen it all.
It’s honest but packed with perspective (and wit!). From leading at the top to fighting through the bottom, and the powerful life lessons that come with both.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsAdam Simpson· Guest0:00
[ on-hold music] A listener production Okay, are you recording?
Mark Howard· Host0:06
[on-hold music] Welcome legends. You are listening to episode two hundred and sixty-five of The Howie Games Part A, featuring dual AFL Premiership player and Premiership coach, Adam Simpson.
Speaker 2· Soundbite0:21
Adam Simpson threads his way through, gets the kick away toward goal. [crowd cheering] Unbelievable. Number seven, Adam Simpson.
Speaker 3· Soundbite0:30
[crowd cheering] Our fans and supporters all over Australia, we can't wait to bring that cup home, so thank you so much.
Mark Howard· Host0:39
[crowd cheering] Simmo, as he is universally known, has lived quite the football life. From a kid arriving at the Kangaroos surrounded by stars of the game, winning two flags, then moving into coaching, where he took Eagles to the top in one of the great modern grand finals before living through some very tough years where the Eagles got belted week in, week out.
Adam Simpson· Guest1:03
[singing] So you search and try to find, but you don't know where to go. So many thoughts flood through your mind. You're confused and want to know. Mystery, what is to be? So much more than meets the eye. Listen to me, time is your key. You will find out by and by.
Mark Howard· Host1:28
He's a funny dude, Simmo, a funny