Adam Simpson will remain West Coast coach after the club’s board came to a “unanimous” decision to keep the 2018 premiership mentor.
The Eagles confirmed Simpson would continue for the final two years of his contract, releasing a statement just before 5pm after board members had descended on the club’s Lathlain headquarters from just after 2pm.
“At the meeting today the board unanimously agreed that Adam will remain as senior coach,” Eagles chair Paul Fitzpatrick said.
“No one knows our playing list better than Adam and he has already steered us through the first phase of the rebuild. We are confident he can take us forward and take us where we aspire to be.
“Our season came to an end on Saturday night and we finished at the foot of the premiership table. That does not sit well with anyone at the club and we are all aware that there is much work to be done to return as a force in the competition.”
Simpson’s future has been the subject of increasing speculation as the season has worn on, with West Coast following up last year’s two-win campaign with just three victories in 2023.
This year’s results included a 16-game losing streak and five trouncings by more than 100 points, with the low point a club-record 171-point hiding at the hands of Sydney in June.
Members of West Coast’s board met at chair Paul Fitzpatrick’s house last Monday as the club began to weigh up whether to let the coach see out the final two years on his contract.
They gathered at Mineral Resources Park on Monday afternoon – two days after the season-ending loss to Adelaide – before coming to the decision.
West Coast’s board, which includes former Australian cricket coach Justin Langer, ex-WA treasurer Ben Wyatt and Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett, resolved to back in the embattled coach.
Fitzpatrick described Simpson as “central” to the club’s rebuild off the back of their wooden spoon campaign.
“Some of the work that is required to improve has already started and it will continue in the off-season and through the pre-season. We know we need to be better across all aspects in the football program,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We will again go to the draft where we currently hold the first selection and we will look to bring in some elite youngsters with that and other selections.
“We are also open to bringing in players through the trade period who fit our needs and list profile.
“Adam is central to our development plans to assist the club’s rise up the ladder.”
West Coast have won just five games in the past two seasons, with Simpson coming under increasing pressure to retain his role after overseeing five triple-digit losses this year.
The recent struggles were a far cry from Simpson’s first half-decade at the helm after joining the Eagles at the end of 2013 to replace John Worsfold.
After a finals near-miss in 2014, Simpson led West Coast into an unlikely grand final the following year, resulting in a 46-point loss to Hawthorn.
The Eagles challenged in the next two seasons before Simpson cemented his legacy by lifting the premiership cup alongside Shannon Hurn with a thrilling five-point grand final triumph.
Simpson was integral in spearheading the ‘Friends, family, flags’ mantra that ran as a theme for the successful season.
The club farewelled three players who were crucial to that era of success in Hurn, Luke Shuey and Nic Naitanui at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Fitzpatrick said the emotional goodbye was a credit to the club’s loyal supporters and signified the end of an era at West Coast.
“While this season has been challenging I would like to again acknowledge our members and fans for their loyal support of the club,” he said.
“To have 47,000 at Optus Stadium again on Saturday was quite remarkable and provided a wonderful backdrop to farewell three West Coast Eagles champions.
“I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey and Nic Naitanui over almost two decades.
“If we needed a reminder that this is the start of a new era it came through the post-match celebrations of these stars of our club. They are legends in every sense.”
Simpson this season climbed into the top 40 for most AFL/VFL games coached all-time, with a win rate of 53 per cent through 226 games at the helm.
Attention is now set to turn to Eagles chief executive Nisbett, who has been in the role since 1999.
Nisbett earlier this month said he wouldn’t seek out a contract extension beyond next season, and conceded he may not see out 2024 as West Coast boss.