West Coast Eagles star's incredible cross-country journey with cracked ribs and punctured lung to honour outgoing coach Adam Simpson
- Coach was sacked by the Eagles on Tuesday
- Star defender was stuck in Melbourne with injuries
- Is travelling home by car to honour his mentor
West Coast Eagles star defender Jeremy McGovern is undertaking a monumental 36-hour road trip from Melbourne to Perth to attend the farewell of his mentor and friend Adam Simpson.
Despite suffering a punctured lung and fractured rib during a recent game, McGovern is determined to honour Simpson in person.
Simpson, who was recently axed by the Eagles following a series of disappointing results, will be honoured at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
The club confirmed his departure with a brief statement on Tuesday.
Simpson leaves with a record of 122 wins, 119 losses, and a draw. His tenure included leading the team to the finals in his first four seasons, losing the 2015 grand final, and triumphing in 2018.
After declining the opportunity to coach one final game, Simpson will conduct the coin toss against Brisbane and receive a tribute from the Eagles faithful, including the devoted McGovern.
McGovern, who sustained serious internal injuries during West Coast's 54-point loss to the Demons, was taken to a Melbourne hospital but was not cleared to fly due to his punctured lung.
Initially planning to stay in Melbourne until he could board a flight, news of Simpson's sacking prompted McGovern to change his plans.
McGovern drove from Melbourne to Adelaide where he met his wife for the second leg of the journey home
The West Coast Eagles star is a great friend of Simpson's and was determined to return for his send-off match
Determined to be there for Simpson's farewell, McGovern drove to Adelaide to meet his wife, and the couple is now en route to Perth.
A leaked text message reportedly showed three Eagles players wanting Simpson axed, raising doubts about his rapport with the team.
However, McGovern's dedication to supporting Simpson highlights the genuine care members of the squad have for their former coach.
McGovern famously played through cracked ribs during West Coast's grand final win over Collingwood in 2018.
His leaping mark in defense helped set up the winning goal, solidifying his status as a key player in the team's history.
McGovern pours Gatorade over Simpson after the club won the 2018 AFL grand final
The respect for Simpson extends beyond the 2018 premiership squad.
No.1 draft pick Harley Reid publicly expressed gratitude for Simpson, writing on Instagram, 'Couldn't thank this bloke enough for what (he's) done in such a short time of my career. One of the greatest to ever do it and has put up with so much crap.'
Simpson opted against having a farewell game, paving the way for interim coach Jarrad Schofield to lead the team in Sunday's clash against Brisbane.
Simpson was informed on Monday night that the club wanted a fresh start with a new coach but declined the offer for a final game.
Former Eagles ruckman Dean Cox is an early frontrunner to replace Simpson, with Jarrad Schofield, Ash Hansen, and Jaymie Graham also in contention.
The club faces paying Simpson nearly $1 million for terminating his contract.
