WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson says one honour stands out when summing up Darren Glass' career and ranking him among the greats of the West Coast Eagles, and the greats of the era.
"He's an All-Australian captain as a key defender," Simpson said.
"How often do you see that? That speaks volumes of where he's held, not only at the club, but across the competition.
"And to be club captain too. How many key defenders are captain? Not just three or four years, but seven years as a captain.
"He's a legend of the club."
A former opponent during his playing career North Melbourne, Simpson only coached Glass for one pre-season and half of this year before the Eagles captain announced his retirement.
The coach said he had perceptions about players before coming to West Coast late last year and he said the perception of Glass matched the man he met when he arrived.
Glass 'held Eagles together', says CEO
"I spoke to the players earlier today about perception about players and the perception of Darren has been not a bad word spoken about him," Simpson said.
"He's an elite player. He'll walk away really satisfied with his career."
Simpson revealed that he had tried to get Glass to play a final home game in front of family, friends, and fans this weekend but said he was not surprised at Glass' selflessness in stepping aside to allow a younger player an opportunity.
"Unfortunately we couldn't get him to play another game," Simpson said.
"We've been trying to get him up as best we can. It hasn't been a form thing for us. It's been a recovery thing.
"So it's disappointing to see it end quickly like this - but these things happen and once again he's put the club first.
"I completely understand. I wish it wasn't the case. We need his leadership, strength and performance.
"But we agree it's the right call. We'll move on, but we'll do it with respect."
The Eagles leadership will now fall on the shoulders of young vice-captains Scott Selwood and Josh Kennedy. Simpson revealed that no decision had been made on the captaincy for the rest of the year and it may be shared between the two vice-captains.
"I've got to talk to the leaders about that," Simpson said.
"We'll make that decision in the next few days. I can't see us making a steadfast decision on that. We'll probably rotate it."
Glass is unsure about his future beyond football but intimated he would like to stay involved with the playing group in a mentoring role this season if possible. Simpson said that wasn’t something he’d need to negotiate.
"He's contracted. We hope that he hangs around," Simpson said.
