The Adam Simpson sacking, albeit abrupt and cold, was expected given the on-field struggle of West Coast Eagles over the past two seasons.
The Eagles have won seven of their past 65 encounters since the beginning of the 2022 season.
Two wins. Two wins. Three wins.
And sure we can delve into the trade and draft blunders made following the 2018 premiership, inclusive of selling the future of the club for Tim Kelly.
Or the ill-timed retirements of Eagles legends in a time of turmoil.
And the COVID-19 implications that filtered through the club, resulting in a slew of top-up players.
No, we are going to look at the here and now.
Assistant coach Jarrad Schofield has been given the keys for the remaining seven games of 2024, with doubt cast over whether Simpson will feature for a farewell match.
It's obvious that the call to play more of their youth to assist with list management decisions at year's end is the correct route.
On the weekend, the Eagles put forward a team slightly older than Melbourne, despite either club sitting at opposite ends of the premiership contention spectrum.
Jai Culley, Ryan Maric and Zane Trew are three who featured in the WAFL over the weekend and are deserving of a spot in the senior side.
Despite a requirement of integrity in team selection, the point where West Coast is dictates a radical way forward to hasten the improvement.
Running parallel to that is the issue surrounding the use of the older, premiership players.
Andrew Gaff has been playing in the reserves. Jack Darling is nearing the end of his career. Is Jamie Cripps' selection hindering the progression of a younger player? Would getting rid of Tom Barrass be a good move?
These are all considerations West Coast need to make over the next seven weeks. And more.
As we sit, the Eagles still haven't hit rock bottom.
They're merely coasting between what was (2018 premiership) and what they want despite there being a clear discrepancy.
Their ageing stars are struggling to hold the fort down. Their up-and-coming talent, excusing Harley Reid, has struggled to make an impact.
They haven't quite chosen a path they want to go down yet.
To combat such a bleak reality, trading established players and splitting picks at the draft could assist in recreating stability and an eye of the future in Western Australia.
West Coast currently hold Picks 3 and 23 (and 59) and could be used to help package another few selections within the first round.
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It is also paramount they make the right selection for Simpson's replacement, with favourite son Dean Cox the likely frontrunner 24 hours after the position became vacant.
Unfriendly and ruthless decisions must be made to get this once proud club back up off the canvas or risk facing further irrelevancy.
The Eagles are at a crossroads for arguably the second time in their history.
They were able to bounce back. Can they do it again?
