Outgoing West Coast coach Adam Simpson‘s final press conference was full of shocking moments, but it was one defining exchange with young star Harley Reid, that has the AFL world intrigued.
Simpson was sacked on Tuesday, after 11 years at the helm and one premiership in 2018.
The coach came under fire after his side’s dismal 54-point loss to Melbourne in round 17, with the club’s key stakeholders meeting on Tuesday to make the decision.
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Now, an interaction with Reid, as Simpson walked into his final press conference to confirm the news on Tuesday, has caught everyone’s eye.
Simpson walked through his playing group and appeared to turn around and say something to Reid on his way to the front podium.
Reid and Simpson exchange looks. Getty
While footage spread around social media, it wasn’t clear exactly what Simpson said to Reid.
There were suggestions Simpson said “you had your say”, or “you have to stay”, but neither have been confirmed.
Reid expressed his gratitude for Simpson hours after his first ever AFL coach was sacked.
“Couldn’t thank this bloke enough for what his done in such a short time of my career,” Reid said on Instagram, alongside photos of the pair.
Are Reid’s training standards up to par? Getty
“One of the greatest to ever do it and has put up with so much crap.”
Meantime, Simpson turned down the offer to coach a final farewell game this weekend against the Lions at Optus Stadium, after an awkward exchange during his final press conference.
Eagles CEO Don Pyke openly invited Simpson to coach the game, but
“We’ve requested Adam to consider coaching the side for one final time this weekend. We’d love Adam to coach one more time,” Pyke said.
“We haven’t made that call just yet, if I was going to coach this week,” Simpson quipped.
“We’d like you to,” Pyke responded.
Simpson will be in attendance at the game, however.
West Coast lost 56 of their past 65 matches, by an average of eight goals under Simpson.