Andrew Gaff thanks West Coast players, coaches in best-and-fairest night speech

EAGLES fans hoping Andrew Gaff would make a shock announcement at last night’s best-and-fairest count that he’s staying at West Coast were disappointed. See his speech.

Eagles head coach Adam Simpson consoles Andrew Gaff after the Grand Final.

WAS this Andrew Gaff’s last speech as an Eagle?

Speculation is rife the star midfielder will announce his intention early next week to move to North Melbourne, and he did nothing to hose it down during a speech at the West Coast best-and-fairest function.

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Eagles fans hoping Gaff would use his fifth-place speech to announce he was staying at the club were disappointed when he took to the stage at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre last night.

Elliot Yeo became the sixth player in the Eagles’ history to claim multiple club champion awards, polling 273 votes with Jack Redden (231) in second place. Gaff polled 216 votes despite missing the final six games — including the Grand Final triumph — after his suspension for punching Docker Andrew Brayshaw.

The Victorian is a restricted free agent and has until next Friday to announce if he wants to change clubs after eight seasons in the west.

This was Gaff’s full speech last night:

“I just want to congratulate the whole footy club ... to all the staff and coaches that put in so much effort and so much time over the years, it doesn’t go unappreciated and I think the last week or so has been unbelievable to celebrate with all you guys.

“I’d like to thank Simmo (coach Adam Simpson) — he’s there for me when things are going well, but also when times are tough. I appreciate your support through this difficult time for me.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson consoles suspended star Andrew Gaff after the Grand Final.

“Mitch (assistant coach Sam Mitchell), you taught me so much in a year of footy and it’s sad to see you go but what you’ve taught me is something I can bring for the rest of my career and the rest of my life.

“My partner Emma, you’ve been unbelievable. You’ve supported me, you’re always there to listen to me ... I can’t thank you enough.

“Also the boys in the team — like everyone said it’s a highlight of our lives coming into work every day ... it’s great to share the win with you, it’s been a great week celebrating.

I’d also like to thank guys like (player services co-ordinator) Ian Miller, (integrity officer) Peter Staples and (chaplain) Paul Morrison who’ve been great for me, and it’s special to have those guys at a footy club and that’s why the footy club’s so successful, so thanks to those guys, thanks to everyone and enjoy the night.”

Yeo said there would be “no hard feelings” towards Gaff and fellow free agent Scott Lycett if they leave the club in the next week. Lycett is expected to join Port Adelaide.

“Gaffy hasn’t said anything to me,” he said.

“Now that everything is going to settle down, and I think he’ll take a couple of days off and I reckon we’ll hear … soon on whether Gaffy will stay or go.

“The boys don’t really talk about contracts and whether or not they’re staying or going.

“You’d love to have them at your football club, but it’s one of those things where sometimes players get offered some really good offers and sometimes they’re too good to not take up.

“There’s no hard feelings. Sometimes you’ve got to make the most of your opportunities if they present themselves, so be it.”

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