“Why don’t you ask ‘Macca’ if he wants to coach them?”
It started out as an innocent question that has now led Simon McPhee from local footy, into the WAFL and across the Nullarbor.
McPhee was just 26, playing football with his mates at Wembley Amateurs in Perth when the under-19’s needed someone to take the reins.
Before he knew it, McPhee was coaching his mates in the senior side a couple of years later, taking a significant step forward in his coaching journey.
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Claremont came calling next. Firstly in the under-18’s, then when the Tigers sacked their senior coach midway through 2009, McPhee stepped in as caretaker coach before taking on the responsibility for the next two seasons, where he led Claremont to consecutive Grand Final appearances, including a premiership in 2011.
The phone rang next. St Kilda coach Scott Watters wanted McPhee to relocate to Linen House Centre and combine a development role with the senior coaching role at Sandringham.
From there, McPhee has worn a number of different hats inside the Saints’ football department, culminating in his appointment as midfield coach at the start of this pre-season.
“Coaching sort of chose me a little bit. I was playing amateur footy at my local club, Wembley Amateurs in the A-Grade in Perth and the under-19s needed a coach,” McPhee told saints.com.au.
“I was 26 or 27 at the time and someone said ask ‘Macca’. So I started coaching under-19 amateurs a long time ago.
“I did the club a favour initially, and they did me a favour. I had to develop areas in myself. I was never confident speaking in front of people, so I had to learn to stand up in front of people from a young age and speak in front of groups.
“I was coaching A-Grade amateurs at 28 so I was coaching guys older than me, so it forced me to grow up and mature. I didn’t think it would lead to where I am now.
“I love coaching; I have a real enjoyment from seeing people do well and working with athletes individually, forming relationships and bonds; watching people do well is a great feeling.”
Champion Perth rover and Richmond premiership star Rob Wiley guided him in his early stages.
The late Phil Walsh took him under his wing at Claremont, as did the man who replaced Walsh at Adelaide after his tragic death, Don Pyke.
All have left an indelible mark on the West Australian.
“As a young coach, you tend to battle around on your own, hoping you’re doing a good job,” McPhee said.
“Rob was a hero of mine as a kid. He played for my local WAFL club and played in the 1980 premiership for Richmond. He got me on the right path, opening my eyes to being organised and structured.
“Then from there, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Phil Wash when I got to Claremont. He was an incredibly hard-working coach, diligent, professional, and tactically very sound. So I used him for a year or so.
“In the senior role at Claremont, I had Don Pyke as a mentor. He was very helpful for me, not just from a tactical point of view, but managing people and systems and structures. He was a great resource for me.”
