Adam Simpson has turned down a farewell game this weekend after the Eagles on Tuesday parted ways with the long-time senior coach.
West Coast confirmed on Thursday that Simpson “politely declined” the club’s offer to coach one final game against Brisbane at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
It means interim coach Jarrad Schofield will step into the role effective immediately.
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“We offered the opportunity and Adam politely declined it today,” Eagles CEO Don Pyke said.
“We respect Adam’s decision and completely understand it.”
Simpson will still be in attendance on Sunday and part of proceedings in the lead into the match in fans’ opportunity to farewell the 2018 premiership coach.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful support I have enjoyed from our members and fans over the last 11 years,” Simpson said.
“They have been fantastic from the day I arrived and have stuck with us.
“It’s easy to rock up every week when things are humming along, but through the challenging times over the last three years they continued to come and support us. They’re the best.”
Simpson’s manager Shane Casley said earlier on SEN radio on Wednesday that while a “send off” would’ve been nice for Eagles supporters and players, “it’s not Simpson’s style or way” to have so much focus around him.
It was an awkward point of contention during Tuesday’s press conference where, after Pyke suggested Simpson would coach against Brisbane, the outgoing boss said “we haven’t made that call yet.”
Simpson departs the Eagles after 242 AFL games as coach — including 12 finals — across 11 seasons since 2014.
Sunday’s game would’ve taken him level with Mick Malthouse as the second most coached games for West Coast. Only John Worsfold, who Simpson took over from, has coached more.