The West Coast Eagles Board today met and endorsed the continuation of Adam Simpson as senior coach.

“At the meeting today the Board unanimously agreed that Adam will remain as senior coach,” Chairman Paul Fitzpatrick said today.

“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.

“While this season has been challenging I would like to again acknowledge our members and fans for their loyal support of the club. 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.

“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.

“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.”