Adam Simpson turns down coaching farewell game bringing an end to West Coast Eagles reign

Departing West Coast coach Adam Simpson has declined the club’s offer to coach a farewell game against Brisbane at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

It means Sunday’s defeat to Melbourne at the MCG is the final game of the premiership coach’s 11-year tenure and he will finish third — one game behind Mick Malthouse — among the Eagles’ longest-serving coaches.

Jarrad Schofield, who was on Tuesday night confirmed the interim coach for the remainder of this season, will lead the side against the Lions.

“We offered the opportunity and Adam politely declined it today,” chief executive Don Pyke said in a statement.

“We respect Adam’s decision and completely understand it.”

Simpson will be honoured by fans in front of what is likely to be a packed house at Optus Stadium, with the club revealing he will “be involved in the proceedings leading into the first bounce”.

“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 has also been revealed Jeremy McGovern, who was grounded in Melbourne because of a series lung injury and will miss Sunday’s match, drove to Adelaide this week, where he was met by his partner to continue on to Perth, in a bid to attend the tribute.

The farewell was the subject of an awkward exchange between Pyke and Simpson during Tuesday’s emotion-charged press conference, where Simpson bristled at Pyke publicly airing the offer before he had made his decision.

Simpson’s premiership captain Shannon Hurn admitted on Tuesday the move to part ways with the coach did not come as a surprise, but he did hope his former mentor would take up a farewell.

“I’d like him to coach one more game,” he said on SEN.

“Obviously I can’t speak for Adam, it’s up to him if he has the energy but all the players and fans would love to acknowledge his time at the club.”

Another former Eagle, Josh Carter (formerly Hill) went a step further, posting to social media he thinks Simpson should have been allowed to see out the season.

“Simmo deserves to finish off the season,” he posted.

“The man achieved a lot more than most other coaches out there. Thanks for everything Simmo, you’re a great coach and I was proud to put the West Coast jumper on and play for you as my coach.”