EXCLUSIVE
Sacked West Coast coach Adam Simpson has revealed what he said to Bailey Williams in a moment that spread like wildfire on social media.
The Eagles players had gathered for the media conference after news quickly spread that the club had sacked Simpson.
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WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Adam Simpson explains viral exchange.
And they had taken their seats in the media room as Simpson walked out ahead of club CEO Don Pyke and West Coast chair Paul Fitzpatrick.
Young superstar Harley Reid was in the area, as was ruck Bailey Williams and AFLW legend (and West Coast AFLW coach) Daisy Pearce.
Simpson can be heard saying something as he walks past Williams (who had the aisle seat) and Reid (who is next to Williams). Pearce appeared to spin around in shock by the comments.
The moment sent social media into a spin with many fans speculating Simpson said, “you had your say,” to either Williams or Reid.
When asked by Channel 7’s Tim Watson exactly what was said, Simpson spilled the beans.
“It’s actually a bit embarrassing for whoever came up with the speculation,” he said on Talking Footy.
“Bailey’s got the dirtiest red moustache I’ve ever seen and I said ‘you need to get rid of that moustache’ and that’s what I said.
“He looks like Goose off Top Gun, it’s not a good look.
“I said ‘mate you’ve got to get rid of that moustache’ and that’s what I said, I didn’t even know Harley was there.
“I’m not sure how that’s been portrayed, just shows you what can happen with the media.”
The exchange was not the only awkward moment from the press conference.
Pyke offered Simpson the opportunity to coach a farewell game on Sunday against Brisbane for which Simpson quickly said “that hasn’t been decided yet.”
Simpson has since declined the offer, but will be at Optus Stadium and be honoured pre-match.
“I buggered that one up, Pykey and I had spoken beforehand and he sort of asked if it was on the table and I wasn’t quite sure at the time, and I think I might have projected the wrong message there,” he said.
“I wasn’t as clear as I should have been and by the time I got to the press conference I reckon that one was on me.
“Looking how it all works, after your press conference you go home and you just slip straight into a different mode. Having match committee and press conferences and pre-game and post-game … all those things, whilst I could have done it, I just don’t think I needed to.
“Really keen to get to the ground, mainly for the fans. I really appreciate what the members have done for the club. For me personally, the last 12 months, they’ve had my back so I’d love to acknowledge that pre-game.
In a wide-ranging interview, Simpson said he “had a good run” and will walk away with some great memories.
He wasn’t sure what the future holds, but left the door open to remain involved in the sport in some capacity.
Simpson had been at the helm of the Eagles for 11 seasons and took them to a premiership in 2018.
But after achieving the highest of highs, he has since been on a downward spiral, finishing second last and last in the past two seasons.
The team is currently third bottom with just three wins this season. They won only three matches last year and just two in 2022.
Assistant coach Jarrad Schofield will take the reins for the remainder of the season.