![Former Eagles coach Adam Simpson received a warm reception from the crowd at Optus Stadium. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS) Former Eagles coach Adam Simpson received a warm reception from the crowd at Optus Stadium. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/41c4ae2f-ca7a-4261-abac-0de3911f00b4.jpg/r0_0_800_600_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Premiership coach Adam Simpson has received a standing ovation from West Coast fans during an emotional farewell before Sunday's clash with Brisbane at Optus Stadium.
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Simpson, whose 11-year reign at West Coast was brought to an end last week, was presented to the crowd before the match.
Fans stood up and cheered for more than 15 seconds as Simpson acknowledged their support.
"I'd just like to thank you guys for your support over the last 11 years," Simpson told the crowd.
"It's been an amazing run. We've had a lot of success - how good was '18?
"But we've also had some hard times as well. I can't thank you guys enough and show enough appreciation. The last 12 months, you stuck by the boys, you stuck by me, you stuck by the club.
"I'll be part of you guys now, I'll be up in the stands somewhere. I just need to get a couple of tickets off someone.
"I'll be watching on now. I can't wait to see these boys play in the next part of the journey of this football club.
"Thanks for everything, let's get on with it, go Eagles."
Simpson was hugged by Eagles players before tossing the coin for the match.
He then made his way into the stands to watch the match alongside former Test star and current West Coast board member Justin Langer.
Members of West Coast's 2018 premiership side were also there to celebrate the day with Simpson.
Star defender Jeremy McGovern, who suffered a punctured lung and a broken rib against the Demons at the MCG last week, drove all the way back from Melbourne to be part of the big day.
McGovern wasn't allowed to fly due to the severity of his injuries.
Simpson's 242 games as West Coast coach was just one short of Mick Malthouse's mark.
Australian Associated Press