Departing West Coast coach Adam Simpson has decided against a farewell game this weekend, with the premiership coach's tenure officially coming to an end with immediate effect.
Under somewhat awkward circumstances at Tuesday's press conference confirming Simpson's exit, it was raised that the long-serving Eagles could had the offer to coach the club for one final game on Sunday when West Coast host Brisbane at Optus Stadium.
"We've requested Adam to consider coaching the side for one final time this week," CEO Don Pyke said.
Only for Simpson to reply: "We haven't made that call just yet 'Pykey'."
It's now been revealed that Simpson won't partake in Sunday's clash with the Lions, meaning last week's nine-goal loss to Melbourne will remain his final match in charge of the Perth powerhouse.
“We offered the opportunity and Adam politely declined it today,” said CEO Don Pyke today in a statement.
“We respect Adam's decision and completely understand it.”
However, Simpson will still be involved in the match, leading to their first bounce against the Brisbane Lions.
“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's easy to rock up every week when things are humming along, but through the challenging times over the last three years they continued to come and support us. They're the best.”
Had Simpson elected to take charge of one last match, he would have levelled two-time West Coast premiership coach Mick Malthouse's tally of 243 games to sit equal second overall, with the pair only behind the club's other premiership coach John Worsfold, who led the club in 281 matches before handing the reins to Simpson.
Simpson's tenure with West Coast ends with a win rate of 50.62%, having won 122 of his games as senior coach of the club.
Simpson won 104 of his first 160 games as coach of thee club, having taken the Eagles to a grand final finish in his second season at the helm before going the distance three years later in 2018.
West Coast, who have won three games so far this year, will host Brisbane a home on Sunday at 2:40pm local time, with assistant Jarrad Schofield confirmed to interim in Simpson's absence.