Social media lit up on Tuesday night after vision emerged of outgoing West Coast coach Adam Simpson mumbling something to one of his players as he walked out to face the media.
The Eagles players had gathered for the media conference after news quickly spread that the club had sacked Simpson.
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.
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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).
It is also not entirely clear what Simpson said but fans were speculating after the vision went viral.
AFL fans on social media platform Reddit were mostly convinced Simpson was talking to Reid.
And they argued that the sacked coach said to him, “You have to stay,” or, “You had your say.”
Other fans have suggested that Simpson said “you’ll have the same”.
Some fans were convinced the interaction was between Simpson and Williams, suggesting that Simpson tapped Williams on the shoulder as he walked past.
Reid certainly looked bemused after the comment, and fans also noticed Pearce’s reaction.
“Daisy Pearce glaring at Bailey Williams like an angry mum,” they said on X (formerly Twitter).
While another said on Reddit: “Daisy Pearce reaction was clearly shock … (and) he definitely said ‘you had your say’.”
“I agree, Daisy’s reaction is telling, she turns to look at Reid and she’s not smiling or laughing.”
Reid, last year’s No.1 draft pick is the Eagles’ most prized asset.
He has taken the competition by storm in his first season and has played 13 games under Simpson.
“Couldn’t thank this bloke enough for what his (sic) done in such a short time of my career,” Reid wrote on Instagram.
“One of the greatest to ever do it and has put up with so much crap.”
Reid’s post was accompanied by a red heart and two images from home games of the pair deep in conversation.
Simpson has been at the helm of the Eagles for 11 seasons and took them to a premiership in 2018.
But since that dizzying moment the team has been on a downward spiral, finishing second last and last in the past two seasons.
The team is currently third bottom after just three wins this season. They won only three matches last year and just two in 2022.
Simpson has been offered a farewell game against Brisbane at Optus Stadium in front of a home crowd.
However, in another awkward press conference moment, Simpson told Pyke he had not yet decided if he’d take up the offer.
– With The West Australian