West Coast have addressed reports suggesting the club has asked senior coach Adam Simpson to take a three-month break at the conclusion of this season, with the Eagles denying any request of the sort.
Multiple reports on Wednesday night stated the Eagles were keen to hand Simpson a break away from his duties as early as September, looking to alleviate the year-round toll on AFL coaching as the Perth powerhouse looks destined to head toward another difficult finish to their season.
West Coast currently sit 18th on the ladder after a 116-point defeat to fellow cellar dwellers Hawthorn last weekend, with the club's losing run now extended to eight matches.
Injuries and the impacts of COVID have played a significant part in the Eagles' woes over the past 18 months, with Simpson managing just the three wins since the start of last year.
Heading toward a third successive season without finals, suggestions emerged that West Coast were looking to hand Simpson a three-month break at the cessation of the home and away season.
An Eagles spokesperson toldย News Corpย that the club will encourage Simpson to take a break at the end of the year.
"Adam will coach out the remainder of the season," the spokesperson said.
"He is up for the challenge and keen to improve and develop our players and game plan. When our season ends he will be encouraged to take an extended break to refresh."
The club were quick to address several reports surrounding the matter, refuting "inaccurate" claims that Simpson had been asked to take leave later this year.
"Reports that senior coach Adam Simpson has been asked to take a three-month break at the end of the season are inaccurate," a short from the club statement read.
"No such discussion has taken place."
The toll on coaches has been in the limelight across the past week, with triple premiership Richmond coach Damien Hardwick resigning from his role on Tuesday, just days after Alastair Clarkson decided to step away from his duties for the foreseeable future.
Simpson has been with the Eagles since 2014 and has won 117 of his 213 games in charge of the blue and gold club, including the 2018 grand final.
The West Coast coach is contracted until the end of the 2025 season and will continue his tenure this weekend when West Coast host Essendon at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
