Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson has received a standing ovation after delivering a classy message to fans ahead of the Eagles’ clash against Brisbane.
Simpson was sacked during the week after an 11-year reign that delivered the club the 2018 premiership.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Simpson addresses fans ahead of Lions match.
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He was offered the opportunity to coach one final game on Sunday, but politely declined.
The 48-year-old was still honoured at the game with fans standing in unison.
Simpson initially said the overwhelming support was a “little awkward” before delivering a classy speech.
“Just on behalf of the players, the coaches and the footy club, we’d just like to thank you guys for your support over the last 11 years, it’s just been an amazing run.
“We’ve had a lot of success — how good was 2018!
“We’ve also had some hard times as well and can’t thank you guys enough and show enough appreciation for the last 12 months. You’ve stuck by the boys, stuck by me and stuck by the club.
“I’ll be part of you guys now. I’ll be up in the stands somewhere. I just need to get a ticket from somewhere.
“I’ll be watching on and can’t wait to see these boys play and the next part of the journey of this football club.
“Thanks for everything, let’s get on with it. Go Eagles.”
Cheering continued for Simpson, who then presented the umpire with the match ball and tossed the coin.
Assistant coach Jarrad Schofield will lead the club for the remainder of the season.
Simpson departed on Tuesday after a 242-game career with the club.
Adam Simpson’s coaching record at West Coast
– Win-loss record: 122 wins, one draw, 119 losses.
– North Melbourne great Adam Simpson appointed as West Coast coach in October 2013, replacing Eagles premiership captain and coach John Worsfold.
– The Eagles make the grand final in Simpson’s second season in charge in 2015, but are smashed by Hawthorn by 46 points.
– After four straight seasons in the finals, West Coast break through in 2018 to win their fourth flag, defeating Collingwood by four points in a thrilling grand final. Simpson becomes the club’s third premiership coach, joining Worsfold (2006) and Mick Malthouse (1992, 1994).
– West Coast continue to contend for more flags, but are eliminated early in the finals in 2019 (semi-final) and 2020 (elimination final).
– Simpson has West Coast 6-3 in 2021, but the wheels start to fall off the AFL’s richest club in spectacular fashion.
– After winning 114 of his first 178 games as Eagles coach, Simpson would enjoy just eight victories from his last 64 matches. West Coast finish 17th in 2022, then collect just the club’s second wooden spoon in their history in 2023.