- Adam Simpson has revealed what he said to Bailey Williams
- A strange moment caused a stir at his exit press conference
- Simpson was candid about what was said during the exchange.
Adam Simpson has provided the answer to the mystery that had football fans talking after his final press conference with West Coast.
Eagles players were on hand as Simpson bid farewell to the club after 13 years in charge, with the club once again struggling to find form during a torrid 2024 campaign.
As Simpson walked out ahead of the club’s chief executive Don Pyke and chairman Paul Fitzpatrick, he was seen saying something to Bailey Williams, who was sitting closest to him in the aisle.
Opposite Williams sat AFLW legend Daisy Pearce, who was seen turning in shock at the comment Simpson made towards Williams, further fuelling speculation about what was said.
The unusual moment caused a stir on social media and, speaking on Channel 7 on Wednesday night, Simpson confessed to the interaction.
“It’s actually a bit embarrassing for whoever came up with that speculation,” he told Talking Footy.
“Bailey has the dirtiest red mustache I’ve ever seen and I said, ‘You need to get rid of that mustache,’ and that’s what I said.
“It looks like Goose from Top Gun, it doesn’t look good.
Adam Simpson has confessed what he said to an Eagles player at his press conference
Simpson was seen saying something to Bailey Williams while heading to the press conference.
‘I said ‘dude, you need to get rid of that mustache’ and that’s what I said, I didn’t even know Harley was there.
“I’m not sure how that’s been portrayed, it just shows what can happen with the media.”
It was not the only awkward encounter fans have called for an explanation for, as Pyke’s surprise offer to Simpson to coach one final game on Sunday against the Lions resulted in a bemused reaction from the 2018 championship winner.
Simpson later turned down the offer but will be at Optus Stadium to be honoured before the game.
“I messed it up, Pykey and I had talked beforehand and he asked me if it was on the table and I wasn’t really sure at the time, and I think maybe I projected the wrong message there,” he said.
‘I wasn’t as clear as I should have been and when I got to the press conference I think it was my fault.
“If you look at how it all works, after the press conference you go home and you go straight into a different frame of mind. Having a match committee and press conferences and before and after the match… all those things, although I could have done them, I just don’t think it was necessary.
“I’m really looking forward to going to the stadium, especially for the fans. I really appreciate what the members have done for the club. As far as I’m concerned, personally, over the last 12 months, they’ve supported me, so I’d love to acknowledge that before the game.”