Adam Simpson didn’t bite his tongue on Tuesday during a press conference after learning his time at the West Coast Eagles had come to an end.
The departing coach delivered a not so subtle jab to one journo before calling out the unfair treatment he and his players receive.
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“Probably your 300th article,” Simpson said when asked when he knew it was time to move on.
“You guys can be cruel sometimes really, you have got to keep that in check because we’re human and we have families.
“So you want more access to our players, treat them with a bit more respect would be a good start. But you’ve got to do your job as well we get that, that’s the industry.”
The already frayed relationship won’t be getting any stronger after The West Australian’s front page bidding farewell to the coach was revealed.
In an eye-catching cover, West Coast’s damning record over 65 games was laid bare with eight W’s and 57 L’s.
The treatment generated plenty of reaction.
Former AFL player Daniel Harford wrote: “Have the West Australian been hacked? Surely…”
Eagles star Harley Reid also took a parting shot at the coverage towards Simpson with a heartfelt post on his Instagram.
“Couldn’t thank this bloke enough for what his done in such a short time of my career. One of the greatest to ever do it and has put up with so much crap,” Reid wrote alongside images of him and Simpson.
The front page comes a day after Simpson appeared alongside Eagles CEO Don Pyke after learning his fate.
In an awkward moment, the departing coach was blindsided when Pyke said the club wanted him to coach a farewell game this weekend when West Coast play the Brisbane Lions in Perth on Sunday.
West Coast CEO Don Pyke said: “It was time. It was time for a change.
“It was time for a refresh of our program and to Adam’s great credit, he always puts the club first, he accepted that was going to be the position and he had no more to give.
“It’s important we pay respect for what he’s done for our club and recognise the wonderful contribution he’s made.
“With that in mind, we’ve requested Adam coach the side one final time this weekend. As much as today is the announcement of the finish, we’d love Adam to coach one more time.”
A surprised Simpson quipped: “We haven’t made that call just yet, Pykey if I was going to coach this week.”
Pyke replied: “We’d like you to.”
Pressed on whether he would coach in this weekend’s Round 18 game at Optus Stadium, Simpson said: “I just need to get through today, I’m not quite sure yet, we’ll work through that.”
Simpson, 48, said he still has “passion for the game” but acknowledged he “probably needs a break”.
“The sense of relief and a bit of sadness is what I feel at the moment and optimism for our playing group,” he added.
“I still think there’s some growth with this group we’ve got coming through.
“It’s going to take time but I’ve got a lot of confidence whoever takes over next is going to drive your standards and keep pushing you to get the best out of yourselves.
“Good luck for the future, I’ll be sitting in the stands watching.”
The Eagles announced that assistant coach Jarrad Schofield will step into the role as the interim coach as the club begin the search for the individual to replace Simpson.