Former West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson has revealed he misses the routine of the AFL industry most following his sacking in July this year.
Simpson, the 2018 premiership coach of West Coast, as well as a 300-game player at North Melbourne, had his tenure cut short after amassing a consistent run of poor on-field results, and rumours of losing the playing group.
Simpson's sacking was arguably overdue, after recording just eight wins from 60 games, between 2022 and July 2024.
Speaking to former premiership Eagle Will Schofield on the BackChat Podcast, Simpson said he missed the routine of being a part of an AFL club.
"[I miss] routine, probably," Simpson said.
"I'm not missing the gameday as much, I think because it's been hard, the gameday stuff. But the routine, the interaction you have with people everyday."
Simpson went on to make a shock admission to how he spent his time following his sacking.
"I don't have many mates here, outside of the footy club. I drove the past the club my first Thursday off, because I haven't missed a main training in 30 years, really," he said.
"I drove past, boys were training, I beeped the horn, no one heard, but I beeped the horn (laughs).
"But that's what you miss a little bit, that connection-piece."
Simpson was rather relieved, in reflection, of not having to undertake the professional duties of coach anymore.
"I don't miss making decisions," he said. " You must make 100 a day [as coach], we all make decisions, but you could probably avoid a few [without coaching]."
The 48-year-old also revealed he was yet to decide what he'll do next following his Eagles axing.
"I've got a bit of time, so I'm gonna see what happens in Perth, if we want to hang out in Perth for a bit longer,"ย Simpson said.
"If I can't find much here, I might have to get back into footy. I'm looking around here, I've got some opportunities."
West Coast are still yet to determine a new head coach for the 2025 AFL season and beyond.
West Coast's search for a new coach hasn't been straightforward, with initial candidates Dean Cox, Ashley Hansen and Jaymie Graham all knocking back potential offers to remain at their current clubs. Interim coach Jarrad Schofield remains in the mix, however lacklustre performances at the final stages of the season have decreased his credibility.
GWS assistant Brett Montgomery, Melbourne assistant and former Richmond interim coach Andrew McQualter, Western Bulldogs assistant coach Brendon Lade, Brisbane football boss Danny Daly and Geelong'sย Steven King all remain as potential shortlisted individuals by West Coast.
West Coast anticipate to announce their selected coach by late September.
