Simpson declines to coach the Eagles, but supporters are nonetheless given the opportunity to bid them farewell.
After the Eagles announced on Tuesday that they were parting ways with the longtime senior coach, Adam Simpson declined a farewell game this coming weekend.
Simpson “politely declined” the opportunity from West Coast to coach one more game against Brisbane at Optus Stadium on Sunday, the club announced on Thursday.
This indicates that Jarrad Schofield, the interim coach, will take over the position immediately.
Watch all of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season’s games live on Kayo without having to skip any commercial interruptions. Are you new to Kayo?
“We extended the chance, and Adam graciously turned it down today,” stated Don Pyke, CEO of the Eagles.
“We fully understand and respect Adam’s decision.”
Simpson will still be present on Sunday, and fans will get a chance to say goodbye to the 2018 Premiership coach during some of the pregame activities.
“I am excited for the chance to thank our members and fans for their amazing support over the past 11 years,” Simpson remarked.
They have been with us and have been amazing since the day I came.
“It’s simple to show up every week when everything is going well, but over the past three years’ difficult periods, they have still come and supported us. They are the finest.
The Eagles’ players and fans would have appreciated a “send off,” but as Simpson’s manager Shane Casley stated earlier on SEN radio on Wednesday, “it’s not that kind of game.”
After 11 seasons and 242 AFL games as coach, including 12 finals, Simpson is leaving the Eagles. He joined the team in 2014.
With Sunday’s match, he would have tied Mick Malthouse for the second-most West Coast coached games. The only coach with more experience is Simpson’s predecessor, John Worsfold.
“I’m a huge fan of Josh Battle. King said on Fox Footy’s First Crack Preview on Thursday night, “I think he’s the perfect defender in a lot of ways, and I think he’d be a great acquisition—(but) I’m a bit of a hold on Tom Barrass.”
“I believe that Jeremy McGovern benefits Tom Barrass more than any other player in that lineup because of the way he plays beside and behind him, covering up a lot of weaknesses in both their team’s and their back six’s makeup.
“I’m not overpaying, but if you really drill down on his numbers, yes, he’s elite for spoils — his ability to get a spoil in is terrific.”
“However, you need better than that when discussing this level of acquisition, this (trade) cost, and this investment. “Eight intercepts is above average, four intercept marks, terrific, but (but) he’s had 39 goals kicked on him this year — it’s a lot of goals. Charlie Dixon, Aaron Naughton, Mykelti Lefau, and Tim Membrey have all kicked three or more goals, so just be cautious about what you’re buying here. Think Battle’s the acquisition I’m charging at, not necessarily Barrass.
Leigh Montagna, the great of St Kilda, highlighted the significance of Hawthorn obtaining both rather than just one, saying, “It’s a massive difference if they get both—that is significant.”
King concluded by stating that Battle may be the center piece of a “premiership jigsaw,” but he questioned the general football public’s devotion to Barrass.
“I believe that Battle can be one of those corner pieces in any jigsaw, if you’re looking at the premiership jigsaw,” he remarked.
Hawthorn has employed Josh Weddle and Sam Frost in those capacities, although they’re both a tad undersized and a tad off. Battle seems like a good fit for the role.
Additionally, Barrass would be a wise addition, but I’m not quite sure
