Footy fans go nuts trying to solve the mystery of Adam Simpson's bizarre interaction with superstar Harley Reid just after he was sacked as West Coast coach

Footy fans remain divided over vision of Adam Simpson's interaction with superstar midfielder Harley Reid  - which followed the head coach being sacked by the West Coast Eagles on Tuesday.

As Simpson prepared to speak to waiting media, he uttered a comment in the direction of Reid, ruckman Bailey Williams and AFLW coach Daisy Pearce as he strolled past with CEO Don Pyke and chairman Paul Fitzpatrick.

Some supporters felt Simpson said to Reid 'you have to stay', while others were adamant he stated 'you had your say'.

As many pointed out on social media, Reid looked bemused - and fans also noticed Pearce's reaction.

'Daisy Pearce glaring at Bailey Williams like an angry mum,' one supporter said on X.

Another posted on Reddit: 'Daisy Pearce's reaction was clearly shock ... and he [Simpson] definitely said 'you had your say'.'

'Daisy's reaction is telling, she turns to look at Reid and she's not smiling or laughing,' a third responded.

Reid, 19, then thanked Simpson for handing him his senior AFL debut this season - before appearing to call out the West Australian newspaper for perceived negative coverage of the premiership-winning coach.

He wasn't alone in his view, with supporters scathing of the publication's front page, which highlighted Simpson's awful recent win-loss record instead of his premiership win.

'That's disgusting,' one said in a comment that resonated with many supporters.

It also followed Simpson having a swipe at the newspaper for what he believed was relentless criticism. 

'Couldn't thank this bloke enough for what his [sic] done in such a short time of my career,' Reid wrote in an Instagram story.

'One of the greatest to ever do it and has put up with so much crap.'

The teenager's post was accompanied by a red heart and two images from home games at Optus Stadium showing the pair deep in conversation.

Simpson - who was West Coast's head coach for 11 years - has been offered a farewell game against Brisbane in front of a home crowd this Sunday following his sacking.

Simpson has declined to take up the offer, but the club said he 'will be involved in the proceedings leading into the first bounce'.