Departing West Coast coach Adam Simpson took time in his final press conference to make one last tongue-in-cheek dig at The West Australian sports journalist Mitchell Woodcock.
Woodcock has fronted up to almost every single Simpson media opportunity in the past two years, often copping the brunt of the coach’s frustration after hitting him with the tough questions Eagles fans want answered.
The West reporter has also long been in the firing line of the club’s fans, often having to be the one to file on their lowest moments.
And during his announcement that he and the club would part ways on Tuesday, Simpson did not miss his chance to get one last cheeky shot in.
After the sports scribe asked if there was a defining moment where he decided his time was up, Simpson replied: “After your 300th article ... Woodcock.”
The joke was met with a roar of applause from attendees at the media event, which included players, board members, club staff and past Eagles legends.
Simpson went on a more serious note to call for more respect for players and staff having lived in the fire for the past three seasons amid the clubs’ historic struggles.
“You guys can be cruel sometimes really,” he told reporters.
“[If] you want more access to our players, treat them with a bit more respect.
“But you’ve got to do your job as well, and we get that.”
Having often been face-to-face with Simpson during the highs and lows of his tenure Woodcock had nothing but respect for his sparring partner.
“It’s only fitting Adam had one final say in a press conference after the past 18 months. I wish him all the best going forward,” he said.
While Simmo is unsure of what his next move will be the AFL Coaches Association hopes he returns to the fold at some point in the future.
“On behalf of the AFLCA and the entire coaching group, I would like to acknowledge Adam Simpson on his 11-year senior coaching career to date, which included the prized 2018 Premiership,” CEO Alistair Nicholson said in a statement.
“His tenure required a significant amount of stoicism, especially in recent times, and he will leave a lasting legacy on the West Coach Eagles and the broader coaching profession.
“I hope that after taking a well-earned break and spending some quality time with his family, ‘Simmo’ considers remaining involved in our industry due to the huge amount he has to offer.”