- The coach was fired by the Eagles on Tuesday
- Star defender stuck in Melbourne with injuries
- He travels home by car to honor his mentor.
West Coast Eagles star defender Jeremy McGovern will embark on 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 a fractured rib during a recent game, McGovern is determined to honor Simpson in person.
Simpson, who was recently sacked by the Eagles following a string 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 one draw. His tenure included leading the team to finals in his first four seasons, losing the 2015 grand final and triumphing in 2018.
After turning down the chance to coach one final game, Simpson will lead the coin toss against Brisbane and receive a tribute from the Eagles faithful, including the devoted McGovern.
McGovern, who suffered 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 because of his punctured lung.
McGovern had initially planned to stay in Melbourne until he could board a flight, but news of Simpson’s dismissal 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 close friend of Simpson and was determined to return for his farewell match.
Determined to be there for Simpson’s farewell, McGovern drove to Adelaide to meet his wife, and the couple are now on their way to Perth.
A leaked text message reportedly showed three Eagles players wanting to fire Simpson, raising questions about his relationship with the team.
McGovern’s dedication to supporting Simpson, however, highlights the genuine interest that team members have in their former coach.
McGovern famously played with fractured ribs during West Coast’s grand final win over Collingwood in 2018.
His outstanding defensive marking helped set up the game-winning goal, cementing his status as a key player in the team’s history.
McGovern serves Simpson Gatorade after the club won the 2018 AFL Grand Final
Respect for Simpson extends beyond the team that won the championship in 2018.
First overall pick Harley Reid publicly expressed his gratitude towards Simpson, writing on Instagram: “I couldn’t thank this guy enough for what he’s done in such a short time of my career. One of the best to ever do it and put up with so much crap.”
Simpson opted not to play a farewell match, paving the way for interim coach Jarrad Schofield to lead the team into Sunday’s clash with Brisbane.
Simpson was told on Monday night that the club wanted a fresh start with a new manager but he rejected the offer of one final game.
Former Eagles ruckman Dean Cox is one of the favourites to replace Simpson, with Jarrad Schofield, Ash Hansen and Jaymie Graham also in contention.
The club faces paying Simpson nearly $1 million to buy out his contract.
