MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Adam Simpson, Senior Coach of the Eagles addresses his players during the 2023 AFL Round 01 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
‘No decisions have been made’: Simpson in limbo as season comes to a close
West Coast claims that no significant choices will be taken until the 2023 season is over.
WEST Coast has declared no decision on the future of premiership coach Adam Simpson will be made until the end of the season after several board members met informally on Monday morning.
Simpson has been keen for clarity on his future as the Eagles prepare to make several key list and staff decisions, with the contracted coach remaining “absolutely hands on” in planning meetings for 2024.
Board members including chair Paul Fitzpatrick, Justin Langer and Ben Wyatt flew to Melbourne to attend the Eagles’ shock upset win against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
The Eagles’ season finishes after they take on Adelaide at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Simpson orchestrated a remarkable seven-point win against the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Sunday but didn’t expect that result to be a factor in the board’s eventual decision on his future.
The Eagles said their focus this week is on celebrating the careers of champion trio Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn and Nic Naitanui, who will farewell fans at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
If the board decides post-season to part with Simpson with two years remaining on his contract, fans will not get the opportunity to acknowledge one of only three premiership coaches in the club’s history.
