The former North Melbourne star has experienced a coaching change over while playing with the Kangaroos, when Dean Laidley resigned in 2009.
Simpson says that it can impact on players differently, but the Hawks won’t be focused on the attitudes of the Power players come game time on Sunday.
“You just try and have a bit more of a steely resolve as a collective group, rather than individual,” Simpson said of the impact on a playing group.
“Some players may see it as a new opportunity themselves to impress the new coach.
“[But] it’s probably more about what we’re doing this week, rather than what Port Adelaide are doing.”
The Hawks assistant expects a physical contest over the four quarters on Sunday, but in particular is anticipating a hot start to the game.
“What we will get is a contest,” he said.
“I’ve been in that situation before where you change coach, and you’re out there to respond.
“Everyone is different, but normally you get a pretty strong response from a physical nature.
“We’re expecting that.”
With former Geelong star Garry Hocking taking the reigns from Matthew Primus this week, Simpson says it’s hard to predict what to expect from a possibly “new look” Power.
But as is the case for the Hawks most weeks, sticking to the Hawthorn style of play will be the main focus.
Despite a different face sitting in the coaches’ chair for the Power, the Hawthorn process in the lead up to the game won’t differ.
“Of course you respect the opposition and analyse what their strengths are and perhaps what you can expose,” Simpson said.
“That’s the process we’ve done all year and that’s what we’ll continue to do - nothing changes.
“It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we go through the same processes during the week.”
Despite defeating the Power by 46 point in Round 11 this season, Simpson says the Hawks learnt more about Port Adelaide’s biggest strength, their midfield.
In that Round 11 clash, the Power won the clearance battle after quarter time, 38-30.
“Part of their strength is their midfield, and they touched us up the last time we played them in Round 11,” Simpson said.
“They beat us pretty easily from the stoppage point of view.
“We won the game, but when the ball was in dispute, I suppose, they did really well.
“That’s definitely something we need to address [on Sunday].”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
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