AFL fans erupt over Adam Simpson move as West Coast Eagles coach says perfect farewell

West Coast Eagles fans have handed Adam Simpson a brilliant sendoff following the sad announcement he would be departing the club after 11 years. The Eagles have endured a tumultuous week following the news Simpson would be leaving the role of head coach after a disastrous record in the 2024 AFL season.

Simpson was at the centre of a media circus when he was singled out by the West Australian newspaper after the publication posted his recent record - his last 65 games in charge - on their front page. The publication drew the ire of the AFL world for the controversial move. And Simpson found plenty of support from co-captain Oscar Allen and young prodigy Harley Reid following his departure.

Allen was so angry at the backlash he labelled the treatment as 'disgusting' ahead of West Coast's plan to honour Simpson at Optus Stadium. And the backlash towards Simpson only fuelled the overwhelming support he received at Optus Stadium against the Lions.

The long-time West Coast coach was rewarded with a beautiful sendoff as he flipped the coin ahead of the game against the Lions. The 48-year-old was emotional when he thanked those in attendance for their relentless support, despite the recent struggles of the club.

"A little awkward," Simpson said as he started to address the crowd, before being interrupted by a huge applause. "Really quickly 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 ‘18. But we’ve also had some hard times as well and I can’t thank you guys enough and show enough appreciation for the last 12 months how you’ve stuck by the boys, how you’ve stuck by me and how you stuck by the club.

“I’m a part of you guys now I’ll be up in the stands somewhere, just need to get a couple of tickets from someone. I’ll be watching on, I can’t wait to see these boys play the next part of the journey and the football club thanks for everything, lets get on with it go Eagles. Thank you.”

Players from both teams embraced Simpson after the coin toss and the 48-year-old shared a special moment out in the middle. Fans were thrilled with the reception for the popular coach and also praised the club for the ceremony. "Love this so much," one AFL fans wrote. "All class Eagles," another wrote.

Adam Simpson praised for West Coast reign

Simpson dedicated 1 1 years to the Eagles with 242 games in charge and a premiership. And North Melbourne great David King joked Simpson deserved to pocket the coin from the toss because of his unwavering service to the Eagles.

“Adam Simpson is going to pocket the coin at the end of the coin toss," King joked on Fox Sports commentary. “He’s taken everything out of the joint over the last six, seven, eight, 10, 12 years — he’s just going to have one last dip at the West Coast Football Club and steal the coin after tossing it.

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“After doing a magnificent job, he earned that as well.” Simpson was handed the coin as a gift after the ceremony. Unfortunately, the Eagles couldn't give Simpson a winning sendoff having gone down 16.10 (106) to 14.9 (93).

Brisbane star Lachie Neale was phenomenal having recorded 34 disposals, 13 clearances and two goals for his side. The Lions hav enow won six in a row and have moved up to fourth on the ladder. West Coast interim coach Jarrad Schofield will now look to turn the Eagles' fortunates around after his first game in charge of the struggling club.